Fury loses to Usyk in “his clearing.” It seems that for the first time the Briton concedes in a mental duel

On Thursday, November 16, a new date for the unification heavyweight bout between WBC champion Tyson Fury and WBA/WBO/IBF title holder Alexander Usik was officially announced in London. The first joint press conference turned out to be the best time to announce the main fight in boxing in the last thirty years: trash talk, loud insults and even a small skirmish between the boxers in a duel of views.

If we compare the event with the first “preparatory round” before the meeting in the ring, then it seems that Usik won it outright. Moreover, in the “Fury clearing”, in mental games. It seems that never before had he seen the Gypsy King so nervous and tense before significant battles for him.

Fight with Klitschko: relaxation and trolling

In Tyson Fury’s track record of 33 victories (let’s leave the recent fight with Ngannou out of the equation), there are several really big names – Vladimir Klitschko, Deontay Wilder, and perhaps, with some stretch, Steve Cunningham. And before the fights with the first two, Fury certainly did not behave the same as yesterday at the meeting with Usyk and his team. The Gypsy King easily played “mind games” and seemed to win them with ease.

During the announcement events before the fight with Klitschko, the Briton favorably distinguished himself from the reserved and sedate Ukrainian with his bright antics: arriving at a press conference in a yellow Lamborghini dressed as Batman, periodic bright interviews with derogatory quotes addressed to the Ukrainian.

Later, Fury made it clear that he was going into battle with the then king of the division not for the sake of a big check, but for victory: hence the meticulousness and integrity in choosing gloves and covering for the ring.

At the same time, Fury was absolutely relaxed at public events, his jokes and barbs looked appropriate and organic.

However, during the duel of glances, weigh-ins and joint interviews, the Briton was calm and reasonable. And not at all the same as at the meeting with Usik in London.

First fight with Wilder

We could observe approximately the same picture before the first fight with Wilder – the first truly serious opponent after Klitschko and the first dangerous opponent after Fury’s return.

Then, by the way, also in London, the aggression came from Wilder. Fury had his own style – a subtle, sometimes borderline trash talk, stylish image. Yes, there was also a small brawl, but, we repeat, it was the Bronze Bomber who organized it, who could not cope with the psychological pressure.

Even during the final press conference a few days before the fight, Fury was winning the “mind games”, despite another brawl. The Briton looked at ease and more confident than his opponent, who seemed to be more worried.

Well, an even more revealing moment is Fury’s behavior before the second fight with Wilder. The Briton, having made sure that he was in good shape to outplay the American, and was able to withstand his opponent’s blows, behaved in his usual manner: a bright image, impudent behavior and complete relaxation

Is Fury afraid of Usik?

Perhaps this statement is too strong. It seems that it would be more correct to say that he is afraid. And it’s quite likely that the fight with Ngannou is to blame. With all the excuses and tributes to the Cameroonian, it is worth admitting that the Gypsy King performed inconspicuously and unconvincingly. Fury Usyk would have taken this guy apart without any problems.

No one except Fury’s team knows what caused this and how Tyson prepared for the fight. If his camp was familiar, the training took place according to a standard schedule and with standard responsibility and 100% effort, then the Gypsy King is not doing very well – age, body characteristics, apparently, make themselves felt (one of Fury’s strong qualities is speed – no longer works as well as before).

If Fury openly screwed up during the preparation for the fight with Ngannou, then he lost several months that he could have spent more productively. Perhaps, knowing the answer to this question, the Gypsy King is nervous. Plus, finding himself in front of a fighter as relaxed and extraordinary in every sense as Usik, who may have appreciated the form, recent performances and trump cards of the Briton, Fury simply lost another of his advantages – his bright charisma.

See also: Fury – Usyk: duel with a glance with the participation of Stallone (video)

However, these are just observations. In addition, one cannot discount the main point: Fury is a truly bright and unusual boxer who knows how to get out of difficult situations. Just like remembering the main rule of boxing: having received/missed a combination, you need to try to “return” it immediately. So let’s look at the boxers’ next event together and what Fury comes up with.