Lennox Lewis has warned Tyson Fury that Oleksandr Usyk will ‘start fast’ in their anticipated showdown on Saturday night. Fury and Usyk are set to finally meet in Riyadh, with their bout to determine the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
On Friday at the official weigh-in, Fury shoved Usyk in the chest as the pair were separated by security ahead of their blockbuster fight. The Ukrainian weighed in at a career-heavy 16st 6lb while Fury – coming in at 18st 7lb – is at his lightest in over four years.
Heavyweight legends were also in attendance as Larry Holmes, Evander Holyfield, Wladimir Klitschko – whom Fury sensationally beat in 2015 – and Lewis watched the chaos unfold. The Brit was the the last heavyweight to hold the undisputed championship and he offered some insight into how the bout may unfold.
“It’s gonna be a great fight,” Lewis said on TNT. “I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited. I know that both guys are going to put the pressure on, both guys are going to give it their all, but there are two countries involved – it’s not just the same country – so one country wants to win.
“I’m looking for a great fight. Everybody has said good things. I think Usyk is going to start fast- he has to start fast because he wants to get those early rounds in. But in the middle rounds, there’s going to be a peak. Those last three rounds, there’s going to be a peak. They’re going to fight their heart out for this fight, because I know I did.”
Lewis clinched the undisputed heavyweight crown after defeating Holyfield in 1999, claiming the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles along with the vacant IBO belt. The 58-year-old has been there and done that, and he appeared concerned for Fury earlier in the week.
Lewis said the slimmer Fury appeared to have lost size in his legs, which could make it easier for him to be knocked to the canvas. He expressed concern regarding Fury’s loss of weight, which may have impacted his punch resistance.
The boisterous Fury leaned his head into Usyk during the weigh-in before pushing him. The moment sparked a brawl between the two sides on stage, capping a tense and fiery week of build-up in Saudi Arabia.
“I’m going to knock him right out,” Fury declared. “I’m coming for his heart. He’s getting it tomorrow, spark out. They [his team] can all get it if they want it.”
Fury – who boasts a 34-0-1 record – and Usyk – who is 21-0 in his career – face off on Saturday 18th May.