30 January 2024 , 11:39
1102
0
One of Oleksandr Usyk's sparring partners believes Tyson Fury will struggle to deal with the Ukrainian's pace in their undisputed heavyweight world title fight.
Heavyweight champions Fury and Usyk put their unbeaten records on the line when they meet in Riyadh on February 17. Fury has been training in Saudi Arabia for the fight since New Year's Eve whilst Usyk has recently been out in Spain. Brit Darren Sealy, a 6'9" heavyweight was recruited as one of Usyk's five main sparring partners - and believes he is in the right camp.
“I think the output and the pace, we are longer so we have that advantage which is great but it also takes us a little longer to get the punch going because we’ve got so much reach," he told Mirror Fighting . "The pace of ongoing punches and ongoing outputs. Changing the pace and levels with different shots and angles, albeit Oleksandr Usyk or any shorter fighter it can be tricky if they have a really good pace."
Who wins the undisputed fight - Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk? Let us know your prediction in the comments section below
Sealy made his professional debut last year but suffered defeat in a huge upset to journeyman Phil Williams. The 32-year-old is no stranger to mimicking Fuy as he sparred former UFC champion Francis Ngannou for his fight against the Brit last October. Sealy is back in the ring a week before the undisputed fight as he looks to avenge his loss against Williams.
Deontay Wilder offers advice to Manny Pacquiao's son ahead of latest fight
“Fury will maybe stay out strong keeping it nice and long but Usyk will take a couple of rounds to work him out like the master that he is and will be victorious. I think Usyk will win whether in the later rounds or by unanimous decision. He is the best at it and the best to do it, undisputed at cruiserweight and undisputed at heavyweight in less than a month.
Usyk has been training for Fury ever since he dethroned his countryman Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 to win the unified heavyweight world titles. Usyk now gets the chance to avenge his close friend's defeat and in doing so can become a two-weight undisputed world champion.
"Every boxer is different and they bring their own personalities, but seeing Usyk and his types of mental preparation he's been going through in the camp has been nothing short of incredible. It's been amazing to be apart of it and be in the ring with him, but outside of the ring he is also a lovely character," Sealy added.