Arum: Fury Will Be A lot Better Prepared For Usyk Than He Was For Ngannou

Top Rank’s CEO, Bob Arum, expects a much better version of Tyson Fury when he takes on fellow unbeaten Oleksandr Usyk in 2024.

On February 17 in Saudi Arabia, Fury and Usyk will collide in an undisputed heavyweight showdown – with the WBC, WBA, IBF, IBO, WBO titles at stake.

Fury saw action last month, in a non-title crossover boxing match with MMA veteran Francis Ngannou.

Many expected a one-sided mismatch, but the contest did not go as planned.

Fury was dropped by a hard left hand in the third round. He also sustained a cut on his forehead and a bruised left eye. 

After ten rounds were completed, Fury walked away with a razor close split decision win. The scores were 95-94 and 96-93 for Fury, while the third judge had it 95-94 for Ngannou.

Based on the damage Fury sustained in the bout, the fight with Usyk was delayed to next year. It was initially set down for December 23.

Some observers believe Fury was underprepared and underestimated Ngannou. Fury weighed in at a career-high weight for the fight.

Arum explained why the ‘Gypsy King’ will be a much better fighter when he steps in the ring for the undisputed showdown.

“Going in with Ngannou, who showed himself to be very talented, nobody had a book on him because he never had a prize fight,” Arum, the co-promoter of Fury, told Sky Sports.

“Fighting Usyk is totally different because they have reams and reams of film on Usyk. I think Tyson will be a lot better prepared against Usyk than he was against Ngannou.

“I have great confidence in Tyson Fury. He’s a great competitor and he’ll be at his best against Usyk. I really believe Fury against Usyk will be a classic match.”