Tony Bellew believes Tyson Fury only has a “puncher’s chance” of defeating Oleksandr Usyk in their undisputed heavyweight world title fight.
WBC champion, Fury and WBA, WBO and IBF titlist, Usyk are set to meet on May 18 in Saudi Arabia to crown the first undisputed champion in 25 years and the maiden four-belt heavyweight champion.
Former cruiserweight champion, Bellew was stopped in his final professional bout to Usyk, in a bid to claim the undisputed cruiserweight championship and does not see a way the undefeated Ukrainian will be beaten.
“I don’t think anyone beats Oleksandr Usyk,” Bellew said to Matchroom Boxing.
“That includes Tyson Fury.
“I think when Tyson Fury was with his uncle [Peter Fury], he actually does beat Oleksandr Usyk.
“But, as soon as the training patterns change and his style changed, he’s now he’s an aggressive counter puncher, so he presses you to get you to punch – it ain’t going to work against Usyk.
“The only chance he has is a puncher’s chance and he’s not the biggest puncher if I’m being totally honest.
“I still think he’s a brilliant fighter. I take nothing away from him.
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“What he’s done for the heavyweight division is amazing, but I just think Usyk’s the best heavyweight in the world.”
The pair were supposed to have fought on February 17, but ‘The Gypsy King’ was forced to pullout after suffering a gruesome cut after a sparring session.
The undefeated 35-year-old was dropped against former UFC heavyweight champion and boxing debutant, Francis Ngannou before claiming a contentious split decision win in his last outing in October.
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Usyk successfully defended his three world titles with a ninth round knockout of Daniel Dubois, whose team appealed after what they believed was a legitimate knockdown was ruled a low blow, with the champion crumpled on the canvas for several minutes.
Their appeal was rejected by the WBA, with Usyk looking to join Evander Holyfield in becoming undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.
