Fury Activates His Rematch Clause For Usyk – Here’s Why It Will Backfire

“Tyson will win the rematch [with Oleksandr Usyk] and fight [Anthony Joshua] sometime next year at Wembley Stadium. That’ll be a massive fight as well,” Arum said

Nevertheless, it could prove a bad decision. Fury has been dropped seven times in his career. The one against Usyk was the most Fury had ever been hurt. He was hit by numerous combinations, unlike one-shot knockdowns against Deontay Wilder. Fury’s post-fight comments also showed he suffered damage. He uncharacteristically wished everyone a Happy New Year. However, since it was only May, it was clear the boxer was not in a good place. 

Fury could not have prepared more for this fight. He had been training since the Francis Ngannou last. The Usyk fight was rescheduled from December to February and then to May. That gave Fury ample time to develop a game plan. The perception was that Fury was in the best shape of his career. However, in the fight, the Gypsy King was nearly gassing out in round nine only for the referee to give him a standing eight count instead. 

Fury’s Legacy

Another loss for Fury will damage his legacy further. His best wins to date have been the Wladimir Klitschko and Wilder wins. Klitschko was arguably at the tail-end of his career, while Wilder’s stock has dropped massively of late. Wilder’s loss to Joseph Parker diminished the standing of Fury’s win, as it showed how limited Wilder was as a boxer.

Coming into the fight, Fury bashed Usyk for being a ‘middleweight’ and a blown-up cruiserweight. Fury also claimed that if he did not beat Usyk, he was no good. He even suggested that he would retire if he lost. Fury also faces a tough decision over his training setup. In his corner, he had SugarHill Steward, Andy Lee, and his father, John Fury.

Steward is the lead trainer, with Lee seen as the assistant. However, John Fury’s contribution was criticized. Fury Sr.’s voice dominated the corner, with Tyson Fury saying he was unhappy given his corner’s statement that he was ahead. Tyson now faces a decision over whether to cut ties with his father. 

Fury was also hit the most times in his career. Usyk landed 170 punches on Fury, more than the 127 set by Otto Wallin. Given that Fury is getting older, Usyk will feel more confident in the rematch, having been in the ring with him for 12 rounds. Fury may decide to switch up tactics and come on the front foot. But that plays into Usyk’s hands, who could pick him off. While the rematch will earn Fury a big payday, is it right for his career?