Andy Lee told what prevented the “Gypsy King” from winning the first fight against the Ukrainian.
Andy Lee, trainer of former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, named the reason for his protégé's defeat in the first fight with the WBA, WBO, WBC and IBF title holder Alexander Usyk.
According to him, the outcome of the fight was influenced by the cut that the British boxer received before the fight. Lee also explained how the “Gypsy King” plans to defeat the Ukrainian in the rematch.
“Fights are won and lost in the ring, but they are also won and lost in training and preparation. The cut taking Tyson off from training and not being able to spar took away that conditioning and sharpness, as well as the ability to focus, stay prepared and take attacks.
When Tyson was doing well, he had to take time off and retreat to rest and recharge, and that's what motivated Usyk to keep coming forward.
How will he win the rematch? He will be better prepared, in better shape, sharper and will be able to withstand Usyk's attacks. Tyson can improve significantly since the first fight,” Seconds Out quotes Fury's trainer as saying.
The Usyk-Fury rematch will take place on December 21 in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). All titles held by the Ukrainian boxer will be at stake.
Unlike the first fight, this time the title of absolute world champion will not be at stake, since Alexander previously renounced the IBF title. Now it is held by Daniel Dubois, who has already managed to defend it by knocking out Anthony Joshua.
Usyk vs. Fury: results of the first fight
On the night of May 19, 2024, Usyk defeated Fury by split decision (115-112, 114-113, 113-114) in the main fight of the boxing show in Riyadh. At the end of the ninth round, Alexander knocked his opponent down.
On our website you can watch videos of the best moments of the Usyk vs. Fury fight, as well as videos of the Ukrainian’s emotional reaction after his victory over the Briton.
Thus, Alexander defended his WBO, WBA, IBO and IBF belts, and also took the WBC title from the “Gypsy King”. Usyk became the first absolute world champion in the heavyweight division in the 21st century.
Before that, the last “absolute” heavyweight champion was Lennox Lewis, who won this status in 1999, when he defeated Evander Holyfield. At that time, the WBA, WBC and IBF titles were at stake. The WBO belt was recognized as equal in 2007, so Usyk became the first “absolute” heavyweight champion in history with four main titles.