DailySun
LENNOX LEWIS has raised alarms about Tyson Fury possibly losing focus in his pursuit of retribution against Oleksandr Usyk, especially with the high-stakes clash against Anthony Joshua on the horizon.
Saudi Arabian investors are eager to see the towering 6ft 9in heavyweight from Morecambe settle his longstanding rivalry with Watford’s 2012 Olympic champion.
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The much-anticipated encounter, which has seen two last-minute negotiation failures, is set to be the pinnacle of British boxing.
After Joshua’s recent loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley last September, which allowed Usyk to obtain the IBF title, Fury voiced his frustration, stating: “That cost me 150 million – the foolish c***.”
Whether that amount is in pounds or dollars is unclear, but it clearly indicates that AJ could secure a similar sum, valuing this matchup at approximately £300m.
Speculation suggests a two-fight agreement, with one bout in Riyadh, the new nucleus of boxing, and a possible rematch in London, potentially elevating the rivalry’s total earnings to half a billion.
Instead of pressing for a rapid rematch, Saudi boxing official Turki Alalshikh has allowed Joshua time to recuperate from the five-round loss while anticipating his turn to face Fury.
Lewis—who was the last undisputed champion before Usyk and is famed for his ability to rebound from defeats—expressed worries that Fury might be preoccupied with the considerable financial stakes involved.
In a discussion with SunSport, he stated, “I perceive this as a hazardous distraction that can linger in your mind.”
“My primary goal would be to claim the undisputed championship first, rather than be sidetracked by other matters.”
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“That would be my main focus, particularly if he finds himself down 1-0.”
“For Fury, winning this match is paramount, and I completely appreciate his mindset.”
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“He’s in the moment, but perhaps not entirely tuned in—he will engage effectively if he concentrates as required.”
Regardless of the fight’s outcome, it seems a showdown between Fury and Joshua is in the books for early 2025, with both fighters expected to enter the ring following consecutive defeats to the skillful Ukrainian southpaw.
Lewis successfully rectified all flaws on his remarkable record.
He took almost three years to even the score with Oliver McCall, pursued a swift rematch with Hasim Rahman through the courts, and dominated Evander Holyfield just eight months following a controversial draw that denied him the undisputed title in his first try.
Drawing from his vast experience, he believes that a successful outcome for Fury this Saturday could set the stage for a trilogy with Usyk, while failure—particularly against AJ—would be deemed a letdown.
When I woke up after a defeat, my first thought was to analyze what went wrong, return to the drawing board, and correct my mistakes.
Lennox Lewis
He mentioned at the WBC convention: “If this results in a 1-1 tie, a trilogy is essential.”
“The third bout is critical as it will ascertain the ultimate winner.”
“Tyson Fury is aware of the importance of trilogies; after losing the first, he will seek victory in the second and likely chase the third if he succeeds.”
“Even though losing one title is unfortunate, this match is still regarded as the undisputed fight by many.”
“These two boxers are the finest in the business, and while not every title is at stake, public perception will view the victor as the undisputed champion.”
For Fury to equate the score, he must implement critical strategies to execute what seems to be a massive plan.
In their initial meeting, he squandered the first three rounds, showboating and engaging the crowd instead of focusing.
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In rounds four through seven, The Gypsy King showcased his skills with effective body shots and uppercuts.
However, when Usyk—whom Fury had previously derided with phrases like “an ugly little middleweight sausage”—delivered a solid left hook to his nose, Fury’s notable resilience allowed him to survive through the ropes, the referee’s count, and the ringing bell.
As the bell sounds, we will quickly determine if his first-ever loss rekindles his competitive spirit and if this new challenger mindset has revitalized him.
Or if Usyk’s psychological tactics and relentless pressure have indeed dulled Fury’s competitive edge.
“Fury will awaken on Sunday feeling regretful,” Lewis noted.
Tyson did not put forth enough effort to win; he let too many rounds slip by, and in the ninth, he acquired a nose injury that likely hindered his breathing.
Lennox Lewis
“Achieving victory in the second match will pose greater challenges as he cannot merely repurpose the strategy from the first.”
“After a defeat, my instinct has always been to analyze my errors, return to the drawing board, and adjust.”
“Upon reviewing the first Holyfield match, I aimed to discern our differences, understanding that we were both equally capable and tactical fighters.”
“Winning rounds is vital; diligence is required, for one cannot simply prance around and expect to impress judges.”
“Tyson did not put forth enough effort for a win; he allowed valuable rounds to slip away, and in the ninth, a strike to his nose may have affected his breathing.”
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“This highlights that even a single punch can create a considerable impact; one shot—perhaps even a body shot—can lead a fighter to take a round off, thus losing favor with the judges.
“Many approaches exist to secure a round: looking active, landing effective punches, pressuring the opponent, and being tactical—these elements can all please the judging panels.”
“There are various tactics to clinch a fight; one might put pressure on their opponent and push forward or wait to counterattack when they strike.”
“Fury excels in agility, is difficult to corner, and wields an effective jab. He must fully leverage all his skills and attributes for victory.”
“When I observed him toying around in those early rounds, it suggested to me that he wasn’t taking the fight earnestly and was letting rounds slip by without cause.”
If Lewis—now mentoring 12-0 light-heavyweight prospect Costas Nanga—were coaching either opponent this Saturday, he knows exactly what advice he would impart.
For Fury, it would be: “Utilize your talents and strengths, and avoid frivolity.”
“Approach the bout with such seriousness that your entire focus is on pursuing and achieving victory.”
For Usyk, the counsel would be straightforward: “Maintain the pressure and limit Fury’s choices.”
“Utilize that catchphrase he loves: ‘Tyson, I won’t let you go.’”
- Tune in to witness Usyk vs Fury Reignited 2 on TNT Sports Box Office. Coverage commences at 4pm on Saturday, December 21. For viewing options, visit tntsports.
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