LENNOX LEWIS has raised concerns that Tyson Fury might lose focus in his pursuit of revenge against Oleksandr Usyk, especially with the high-stakes fight against Anthony Joshua looming ahead.
Saudi Arabian investors are eager to witness the towering 6ft 9in heavyweight from Morecambe finally clash with Watford’s 2012 Olympic champion, stoking the longstanding rivalry.
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The highly anticipated match, which has faced last-minute negotiation hiccups twice, is set to be a pinnacle moment for British boxing.
Following Joshua’s recent knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley last September, which resulted in Usyk losing the IBF title, Fury expressed frustration, declaring: “That cost me 150 million – the silly c***.”
Whether measured in pounds or dollars, this figure indicates that AJ could draw a similar amount, making the worth of this matchup around £300m.
Speculation points towards a two-fight deal, with one bout in Riyadh, the new hub for boxing, and a potential rematch in London, potentially pushing the total value of the rivalry to a half-billion doubleheader.
Instead of insisting on an immediate rematch, Saudi boxing official Turki Alalshikh has allowed Joshua time to recuperate from the five-round loss while he awaits the opportunity to take on Fury.
Lewis—who was the last undisputed champion before Usyk and renowned for his resilience against setbacks—voiced worries that Fury could be sidetracked by the major financial implications surrounding the matches.
In a conversation with SunSport, he stated, “I view it as a risky distraction that could linger in your thoughts.”
“My primary goal would be to clinch the undisputed championship first before allowing anything else to divert my attention.”
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“That should be my foremost aim, especially if he’s facing a 1-0 deficit.”
“For Fury, achieving victory in this match is paramount, and I completely grasp his perspective.”
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“He’s in the moment but perhaps not fully immersed—he will engage entirely if he maintains the right focus.”
Regardless of the outcome, it appears a confrontation between Fury and Joshua is slated for early 2025, with both fighters likely stepping into the ring after consecutive losses to the skilled Ukrainian southpaw.
Lewis successfully rectified any flaws in his notable track record.
It took him nearly three years to avenge his loss to Oliver McCall, sought an expedited rematch with Hasim Rahman through legal channels, and dominated Evander Holyfield merely eight months after an unfair draw cost him his first shot at undisputed status.
Drawing from his extensive experience, he feels that a win for Fury on Saturday could pave the way for a trilogy with Usyk, while failing to secure a win—including against AJ—would be seen as a letdown.
When I woke up post-defeat, my first thought was to identify the errors, 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 becomes essential.”
“The third fight is vital as it will determine the ultimate victor.”
“Tyson Fury recognizes the importance of trilogies; after losing the first fight, he will strive for victory in the second and likely pursue a third bout if he prevails.”
“While losing a title is regrettable, this match is still perceived by many as the undisputed clash.”
“These two athletes are at the pinnacle of their sport, and although not all titles are on the line, public perception will regard the winner as the true champion.”
To even the odds, Fury must make critical adjustments to execute what seems to be a significant plan.
In their initial match, he wasted the first three rounds, showboating and playing to the crowd instead of focusing on the fight itself.
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During rounds four through seven, The Gypsy King exhibited impressive skills with powerful body shots and uppercuts.
However, when Usyk—whom Fury had previously dismissed with phrases like “an ugly little middleweight sausage”—delivered a solid left hook to his nose, Fury’s remarkable resilience displayed itself, allowing him to endure, even through the ropes, the referee’s count, and the ringing bell.
When the bell rings, we will quickly see if this first career defeat reignites his competitive drive and if this new, unfamiliar challenger mindset has rejuvenated his spirit.
Alternatively, Usyk’s psychological tactics and relentless assault may have dulled Fury’s competitive edge.
“Fury will awaken on Sunday feeling regretful,” Lewis noted.
Tyson didn’t apply enough effort to secure a win; too many rounds slipped away, and in the ninth, he suffered a nose injury that likely affected his breathing.
Lennox Lewis
“Achieving success in the second match will be even more challenging because he cannot simply replicate the prior strategy.”
“After a setback, my reflex was to analyze my flaws, return to the drawing board, and adjust.”
“In reviewing the first Holyfield bout, my aim was to differentiate our styles, knowing that both of us were capable and tactical fighters.”
“Winning rounds is crucial; one must be diligent, as you can’t just dance around and expect to win over the judges.”
“Tyson didn’t put forth enough effort for a win; he let valuable rounds fade away, and in the ninth, an injury to the nose may have hampered his breathing.”
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“This highlights how a single punch can drastically alter the outcome; one strike—possibly even a body shot—can force a fighter to momentarily disengage, losing favor with the judges.
“Various strategies can be employed to secure a round victory: staying active, landing effective punches, applying pressure, and employing tactical maneuvers—all of which can appeal to judging panels.”
“Different approaches can be taken to win a fight; one can pressure an opponent and move forward or choose to wait for counterattacks during their offense.”
“Fury exhibits great agility, is tough to corner, and has a formidable jab. He must channel all his skills and attributes to achieve victory.”
“Seeing him jesting in those initial rounds suggested to me that he was not treating the fight seriously and allowed rounds to pass without justification.”
If Lewis—now guiding the promising 12-0 light-heavyweight talent Costas Nanga—were coaching either fighter on Saturday, he knows exactly what advice he would impart.
For Fury, it would be: “Utilize your skills and strengths; don’t toy around.”
“Approach the bout with such seriousness that your entire focus is on striving for and achieving victory.”
For Usyk, the advice would be simple: “Keep up the pressure and restrict Fury’s options.”
“Employ that catchphrase he enjoys: ‘Tyson, I won’t leave you alone.’”
- Tune in to catch Usyk vs Fury Reignited 2 on TNT Sports Box Office. Coverage begins at 4pm on Saturday, December 21. For viewing options, check tntsports.
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