As boxing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk this December, former world champion Ricky Hatton has shared his insights on how Fury can turn the tide in this high-stakes bout.
Hatton, known for his keen observations and extensive experience in the ring, also touched upon Anthony Joshua’s recent knockout loss to Daniel Dubois and the implications for both fighters’ futures.
A Unique Talent in Usyk
Reflecting on their first matchup, Hatton emphasized Usyk’s exceptional abilities, particularly his mental resilience.
“Usyk doesn’t let Fury’s mind games bother him at all. It seems to go in one ear and out the other,” Hatton noted, pointing out that Usyk remains unfazed by Fury’s psychological tactics, which have often disrupted other opponents.
He recognized Usyk as a rare talent in boxing history, boasting an impressive record that includes Olympic gold and undisputed titles in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions.
“Fighters like him come along once in a while. He’s an unbelievable talent that shouldn’t be underestimated,” Hatton remarked.
In their previous encounter, Usyk surprised many by dominating the larger Fury, effectively controlling the pace and flow of the fight.
Despite Fury’s advantages in height and reach, Usyk’s skill and strategy allowed him to navigate the ring with impressive agility.
Strategies for Success
Hatton believes that Fury can seize victory in their upcoming rematch at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia on December 21, but only if he makes critical adjustments.
“Tyson has a good chance if he makes the necessary changes,” he stated, highlighting Fury’s reach and size as key assets.
“He needs to hold his ground more. You can still give ground but utilize your height and weight to your advantage.”
A major point Hatton emphasized was the need for Fury to have a single, clear voice in his corner during the fight.
“It’s essential that there’s one voice giving instructions. Too many voices can confuse a fighter, especially in high-pressure situations,” he explained.
Effective communication between fighter and trainer is vital, particularly when time is limited during those one-minute breaks.
A Close Call for Victory
While Hatton is optimistic about Fury’s chances with the right strategy, he also cautioned that the fight is likely to be closely contested.
“Even if Fury implements these changes, it’s still going to be a toss-up as to who wins. But he definitely has a better chance if he uses his attributes wisely,” he said.
Anthony Joshua’s Future in Question
Switching gears to Anthony Joshua, who recently faced a devastating knockout at the hands of Daniel Dubois, Hatton weighed in on the potential for a rematch.
“Eddie Hearn mentioned a rematch, but I think that would be unfair to Dubois. He deserves to fight the winner of Fury vs. Usyk or get a direct rematch with Usyk,” Hatton argued.
He believes that Joshua should aim for a significant fight against either Fury or Usyk instead, as fans have long desired a showdown between Joshua and Fury.
A Fitting Farewell for Boxing Legends
Despite his critiques, Hatton expressed deep respect for both Fury and Joshua, advocating for a final clash between the two before they consider retirement.
“I see them both as friends, and I think it would be fitting for them to have one last fight against each other. After that, they could both step back and enjoy their lives,” he shared.
Hatton’s desire is for both fighters to finish their illustrious careers on a high note, having gone toe-to-toe in a matchup that boxing fans have been craving for years.
Fans can catch the excitement this weekend as Jack Catterall faces Regis Prograis live on DAZN, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying night of boxing.
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