Home Columns Johnny Nelson admits “concern” for Tyson Fury in Usyk rematch

Johnny Nelson admits “concern” for Tyson Fury in Usyk rematch

Nelson is worried about Fury ahead of the Usyk rematch

May 31, 2024

Nelson has expressed concern for Fury going into the rematch with Usyk (Photo Credit: Reuters + Michael Benson X)

With the rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk announced for December 21st, Johnny Nelson has revealed he is worried for his countryman.

Usyk defeated Fury via split decision in Riyadh earlier this month to claim the undisputed heavyweight world championship, dropping and seriously hurting the Morecambe man in round nine.

The loss was the first of Fury’s 36-fight professional career, and came in by far and away his biggest fight thus far.

And long-time pundit, Nelson has questioned just how much psychological damage the defeat will inflict upon the 35-year-old.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the former cruiserweight world champion questioned how much “mental appetite” ‘The Gypsy King’ has for a second showdown with Usyk.

Usyk defeated Fury via split decision Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

“My main concern between now and then is Tyson’s mental appetite for this rematch, knowing that Usyk had the better of him once.

Oleksandr Usyk. Tyson Fury. The Rematch 😮‍💨
Per His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, the rematch will go down December 21 🔥 pic.twitter.com/A8HRMtjMvb
— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) May 29, 2024

“If you have been at the top of the tree and you believe you’re the best in the world, no matter what, then all of a sudden somebody gets the better of you, it’s very hard to accept that.

“It’s very hard to think, ‘I did everything right, I prepared right, I was in amazing condition’ – the best condition we have seen him for years. So what can you change?”

Another talking point that emerged from the memorable clash at the Kingdom Arena is Fury’s training set up – particularly the inclusion of his father John, who seemed to be talking over main coach Sugar Hill Steward during key moments.

Many are unsure whether are not John Fury should be in the corner (Photo Credit: Queensberry Promotions)

And Nelson admitted this was also a cause for concern and an issue that needs addressing should Fury hope to reverse the result over Usyk this winter.

“A lot needs to be changed in the back room. We heard three voices shouting at him left, right and centre in the corner, out of desperation I assume and misreading the fight, thinking he was ahead.

“For Tyson, he’s got to have a serious conversation with his team.

“There needs to be somebody that has his ear, that he listens to and respects, to give him that confidence by saying, ‘you can do this and you can turn this around’.”