Legendary boxing analyst Teddy Atlas shared his keys to victory for Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk ahead of their highly anticipated rematch.
Many fans and experts project how Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 could be set, but few have the credentials of legendary boxing mind Teddy Atlas.
Usyk and Fury will meet in the boxing ring for the second time this weekend in one of the biggest rematches in the history of the sport. After Usyk handed Fury his first career defeat in May, the two behemoths will clash again as Fury seeks revenge on the Ukrainian powerhouse.
Fury enters the Usyk rematch with a new-focused mentality ahead of fight night. He recently admitted that he has cut off his inner circle in recent months to focus on preparing for Usyk.
Atlas, who played a key role in heavyweight Mike Tyson's early success, gave a full breakdown of what Fury and Usyk need to do to raise their hands in the rematch.
Teddy Atlas shares in-depth advice for Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk
During a recent episode of his The Fight with Teddy Atlas podcast, Atlas shared what Fury needs to do to get revenge on Usyk.
'This time Fury has to make a change. One of two things,” Atlas said of Fury. “He could back him up, not that he'd get a backup, but back up the smaller guy. Support him behind the shot at the correct distance. Or, and I would take the 'or' if I am the trainer, set yourself more. Bend your legs a little bit more, grip the floor a little and control the reach so you're taller, taller, taller. Control the range, but step off, don't move alone. Be set to punch, so it's not that easy for that [Usyk] come in and feel pressure.
'Hold him at the end of your shot and make sure he reaches for you… you never give him the freedom that he can just walk in, always make sure there is a threat. Slip and throw the straight left hand. And I want to use the uppercut more and put something on top of it… go to the body a little more. Usyk has been hurt on his body before, you hit some good body shots, but you didn't stay there.
Atlas then revealed how he would advise Usyk ahead of the rematch.
“If you're Usyk, you basically do the same thing,” Atlas said of Usyk. “I look at the pressure, but he has options, he is versatile and dimensional. This time if [Fury] presses, he counters punches… if I advised Usyk, don't fall behind this time. Use your jab a little more, press, but use your jab if you do it a little more. You've done some good bodywork, keep up the bodywork…
“Combine the pressure with more scoring so you don't fall behind [early]. In a smart way without fighting a fight that is the wrong fight for you. If Fury throws the uppercut from too far away, he can leave himself vulnerable if you time it. He'll be ahead of him without even slipping.”
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 concludes an eventful 2024 boxing slate
Usyk and Fury are fighting not only for heavyweight titles and legacy, but also for a special commemorative belt. The title won by the winner of Usyk vs. Fury 2 will pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of the famous Rumble in the Jungle clash between heavyweights Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.
Before falling prey to Usyk, Fury was on a 35-fight undefeated streak in his career, including two wins over heavyweight rival Deontay Wilder. As for Usyk, he had two wins over Anthony Joshua before knocking out Daniel Dubois last year.
Atlas will be in Riyadh for the historic Usyk vs. Fury 2 event, and he will be keeping a close eye on the adjustments both heavyweights make in their rematch.
Follow Bloody Elbow for the latest coverage of Usyk vs. Fury 2.
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