‘Can’t go against him’ – Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson disagree on Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury 2 prediction
Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson both expect different outcomes when Oleksandr Usyk rematches Tyson Fury next weekend.
Usyk is set to do battle with Fury for the second time in Riyadh next Saturday, six months on from his sensational points victory over the 'Gypsy King' in May to claim the undisputed heavyweight world titles.
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Despite 'The Cat's' elite display of squared circle brilliance, Fury will be gunning for revenge, and will certainly be a live challenger when looking to become a three-time champion.
Fury has size advantages over Usyk, and will likely adopt a different approach to try and overturn the fine margins in their second twelve-round meeting.
And heavyweight legend and former undisputed champion Tyson, who the 'Gypsy King' was named after, has backed the Briton to do exactly that.
He said: “Usyk is the best heavyweight in the world at the moment. But I’m going for Fury to beat him.
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"Why? Because I’m a fan. Because his father gave him my name. I’m not abandoning him now."
Fury will appreciate the backing of Tyson, whom has played a pivotal part in the recent-era great's rise into the sport.
'Iron Mike' had already backed Fury for the maiden clash, where he came up narrowly short.
Unfortunately for Fury though, that isn't a view that has been taken by everyone.
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The legend's former rival Lewis, who beat Tyson in 2002, believes Fury will find it much more difficult.
And although acknowledging that Fury could easily make changes and get his hand raised, he intends to stick with his guns and predicts Usyk will remain undefeated.
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He said in a lengthy assessment: “It’s going to be a tough fight for both guys. It’s going to be mentally tough, it’s going to be physically tough.
"They’re going to push each other on the mental basis far, they’re going to push each other physically far. Both guys want to win this fight.
"Both guys want something from this and it’s going to be a mental challenge and a physical challenge.
“I think it’s going to be a banger, it’s going to be a serious fight, one guy was more serious than the other guy [in the first fight] — you could say Tyson Fury lost that fight and Usyk won it.
"Now it’s a situation where they’re having another fight, Tyson Fury has to win that fight so he’s going to be more focused, he’s going to put a little bit more weight on to get through this fight and he’s a lot more serious.
“Well, I cannot go against Usyk. Oleksandr Usyk has proven himself time and time again, and he’s still undefeated.
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“It really comes down to who boxes the best. Who’s smart in the ring. I didn’t think Tyson Fury was smart in the first fight.
"I think he played around a little bit too much and allowed Oleksandr Usyk to really pile up the points.
“Oleksandr Usyk is a difficult opponent. He moves all the time, he’s always throwing punches, he’s in great shape, and that’s hard to beat.”
Fury is expected to pile on weight for the second meeting, a sign that proceedings could be far different.
The 'Gypsy King' has been reported to be considering bulking up to 19 and a half stone, a sign he could look to impose his power from the opening bell.
Both Usyk and Fury look in fantastic shape and have been working hard in their respective training camps, with heavyweight legacy at stake.
Eddie Hearn predicts that Oleksandr Usyk will beat Tyson Fury after 'stinker' of a first fight
Huge opportunities will lay in wait for both fighters irrespective of the result, with Daniel Dubois currently holding the IBF title.
Anthony Joshua will also likely throw his hat in the ring having expressed an interest in a trilogy with Usyk, and a chance to finally settle his rivalry with Fury.
talkSPORT has secured the commentary rights to the title fight.
Our full commentary team will be out in Riyadh to bring you blow-by-blow coverage.
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