In the highly anticipated clash between heavyweight champions Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, veteran boxing trainer Teddy Atlas has thrown his support behind Usyk, anticipating a victory for the Ukrainian in their bout slated for February 17. Despite Fury starting the fight as a slight favorite, questions have arisen about his recent form following a challenging encounter against Francis Ngannou in October.
Fury faced a third-round KO and struggled in the later rounds, prompting speculation about his readiness for the upcoming clash. With Atlas, an esteemed figure in boxing training, favoring Usyk in this clash of titans, things have definitely heated up for the fans.
Teddy Atlas chooses Oleksandr Usyk for the victory
Teddy Atlas, a well-known trainer and analyst, recently expressed his ongoing support for Oleksandr Usyk, stating that he has always been in Usyk’s corner even before the Francis Ngannou fight. Speaking to Pro Box TV, Atlas further explained the reason behind his unwavering support for the Ukrainian boxer.
Atlas highlighted Usyk’s impressive track record, including winning a gold medal, unifying Cruiserweight titles, and conquering the Heavyweight division. Despite the general consensus favoring Tyson Fury in terms of size and versatility, Atlas has consistently backed Usyk, citing his accomplishments and capabilities. While acknowledging Fury’s well-rounded skills, Atlas suggested that Fury may have underestimated the challenge, leading to an off-performance against Ngannou.
He said, “I can’t go against Usyk, because there’s one thing nobody’s checking a box. Yeah, they’re saying the other guy’s got the jab, can box, he’s the bigger man. Usyk has one asset that he’s always had. You know what it is? He knows how to win.” Well, it’s interesting how Atlas’ view of this fight stands in contrast with his former rival Mike Tyson.
Mike Tyson goes with Tyson Fury over Usyk
During the World Boxing Council’s 61st convention, Mike Tyson shared his insights on the upcoming fight scheduled for February, expressing his support for Tyson Fury. In an interview with ESPN, Tyson declared, “I gotta go with Fury. He is the best fighter in the world, especially amongst heavyweights.”
Tyson emphasized that great fighters can experience losses or appear less impressive in bouts, but that doesn’t diminish their overall greatness. Acknowledging the challenges posed by smaller opponents, Tyson noted, “A smaller opponent is difficult to figure out sometimes, they move a lot and I feel he will have a hard time finding him in some rounds because he is smart and quick.”
