Top Rank’s CEO Bob Arum has high expectations for Tyson Fury in his upcoming 2024 bout against Oleksandr Usyk. The much-anticipated undisputed heavyweight showdown, set for February 17 in Saudi Arabia, will see Fury and Usyk vying for the WBC, WBA, IBF, IBO, and WBO titles. This follows Fury's recent challenging fight against MMA veteran Francis Ngannou, which was closer than many expected.
In last month’s non-title crossover match, Fury, who weighed in at a career-high, faced unexpected difficulties. He was knocked down in the third round and suffered a cut forehead and bruised eye, barely securing a split decision win. This performance led to the delay of his fight with Usyk, initially scheduled for December 23.
Arum attributes Fury’s struggles against Ngannou to a lack of familiarity, as Ngannou had no previous prizefights. However, he anticipates a better-prepared Fury against Usyk, given the extensive fight footage available for analysis. Arum's confidence in Fury remains unshaken, believing that his preparation and competitive spirit will lead to a peak performance against Usyk.
The upcoming Fury-Usyk clash is predicted to be a classic, with Arum highlighting Fury’s ability to rise to the occasion in significant matches. This fight not only presents an opportunity for Fury to demonstrate his resilience but also to reaffirm his position as a leading figure in the heavyweight division.
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