Hearn Backs Usyk to Beat Fury in Riyadh

Although Hearn would prefer a Fury victory to maintain the possibility of a future bout between Fury and Anthony Joshua, he predicts Usyk will prevail.

Promoter Eddie Hearn is backing Oleksandr Usyk to beat Tyson Fury in the upcoming undisputed heavyweight championship match on May 18th in Riyadh. Although Hearn would prefer a Fury victory to maintain the possibility of a future bout between Fury and Hearn's boxer, Anthony Joshua, he predicts Usyk will prevail.

He cites Usyk's excellent physical condition as a key advantage. The fight includes a rematch clause, guaranteeing another encounter between Usyk and Fury before Joshua can challenge the winner. Most boxing betting sites have Fury as the favourite.

Fury, the WBC champion, also appears to be in top form, significantly lighter than his last bout weight of 277 1/2 pounds. Despite this, Hearn notes that Fury's age may be a disadvantage. At this stage in his career, Fury's agility has diminished, and he now relies more on powerful, heavy hits and physical tactics to exhaust his opponents.

This was evident in his 2013 fight against Steve Cunningham, where Fury used grappling to his advantage, a move that is technically illegal. Hearn suggests that if the referee doesn’t closely monitor their upcoming fight, Fury might attempt similar tactics against Usyk, whom he cannot outpace with speed or outfight from a distance. Hearn summed up the Usyk vs. Fury match as a balanced and unpredictable contest during his discussion with iFL TV on YouTube.

“I’m hoping Tyson Fury does the business. At the moment, Oleksandr Usyk on points. Last week, I thought Tyson Fury on points,” said Hearn when asked who he feels will win the fight. “Just saw a picture of him.

“He [Usyk] had a short haircut, and I thought he looked like a bit of a nutter. So, that was the scientific reason behind the pick. I thought he looked in great shape. I think he’s ready, but Fury will be ready,” said Hearn.