As Tyson Fury gears up for his anticipated showdown against Oleksandr Usyk, concerns over the heavyweight champion’s cut continue to loom large. Former WBA super-middleweight champion, George Groves, has expressed skepticism about Fury’s readiness for the bout, suggesting that the champion may still harbor doubts about facing Usyk.
Groves remarked, “I’ve said since the start – I’ll believe it when I see it. I don’t think Fury has ever fancied the Usyk fight.” He raised questions about Fury’s confidence in taking on Usyk, hinting at a preference for a matchup against Anthony Joshua instead.
The postponement of the fight following Fury’s cut during sparring further fueled speculation about the bout’s uncertainty. Groves admitted, “When the fight got postponed after the cut, I wasn’t surprised. It gave me the feeling that this fight will never happen.”
The cut, sustained from an accidental elbow during sparring, adds another layer of complexity to Fury’s preparations. With just three months to heal before fight night, concerns have been raised about the potential for the injury to reopen, especially considering Fury’s history with cuts.
Despite the doubts, Fury has maintained confidence in his readiness for the Usyk challenge. Speaking at a press conference in Morecambe, he reassured the boxing world of his preparedness, citing his intensive training camp and remarkable transformation since his previous bout.
Fury’s team, including his cutman Jorge Capetillo, has indicated that measures are in place to mitigate the risk of the cut reopening during the fight. With his father, John Fury, and coach Sugar Hill Steward by his side, Fury has showcased impressive form in training, signaling his determination to face Usyk.
As the anticipation builds for the Fury-Usyk clash, the boxing world remains intrigued by the outcome of this highly anticipated matchup. Despite lingering doubts and concerns, Fury’s resolve to defend his title against Usyk remains unwavering.