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 pundits are projecting how Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 may play out, but few have the credentials of the legendary boxing mind Teddy Atlas.
Usyk and Fury will meet in the boxing ring for the second time this year in one of the biggest rematches in the sport’s history this weekend. After Usyk handed Fury his first career defeat in May, the two behemoths will clash once again, as Fury eyes revenge against the Ukrainian powerhouse.
Fury is entering the Usyk rematch with a newly-focused mindset ahead of fight night. He recently admitted how he’s closed off his inner circle in recent months to stay locked in on preparing for Usyk.
Atlas, who was a key part of heavyweight great Mike Tyson’s early success, gave a full breakdown of what Fury and Usyk must do to get their hand raised 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 exact his revenge against Usyk.
“This time, Fury’s gotta make a change. One of two things,” Atlas said of Fury. “He could back him up, not be backed up, back up the smaller guy. Back him up behind the jab at the right range. Or, and I would take the ‘or’ if I’m the trainer, set yourself more. Bend your legs a tiny bit more, grab the floor a little bit, and control range, which you are taller, longer, bigger. Control the range but step off, don’t just move. Be set to punch so it’s not as easy for [Usyk] to come in and feel pressure.
“Keep him at the end of your jab and keep him reaching for you…you’re never letting him have the freedom that he can just walk in, always have a threat on him. Slip and throw the straight left hand. And I’m looking to use the uppercut more and put something on top of it…go to the body a little more. Usyk’s been hurt to the body before, you threw some good body shots, but you didn’t stay there.”
Atlas then revealed how he’d advise Usyk for the rematch.
“Now if you’re Usyk, you essentially do the same thing,” Atlas said of Usyk. “Looking to pressure, but he’s got options, he’s versatile and dimensional. This time if [Fury] presses, he counter punches…if I was advising Usyk, don’t fall behind this time. Use your jab a little more, press, but use your jab when you’re doing it a little bit more. You did some good bodywork, continue with that bodywork…
“Mix in the pressure with a little bit more scoring, so you don’t fall behind [early]. In a smart way without fighting a fight that’s the wrong fight for you. If Fury throws the uppercut from too far out, he can leave himself vulnerable if you time it. He’ll beat him to it without even slipping.”
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Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 caps off eventful 2024 boxing slate
Usyk and Fury are not only fighting for heavyweight titles and legacy but also a special commemorative belt. The belt that the Usyk vs. Fury 2 winner will receive pays homage to the 50th anniversary of the famous Rumble in the Jungle clash between heavyweights Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.
Before falling to Usyk, Fury was on a 35-fight unbeaten streak in his career, including two wins over heavyweight rival Deontay Wilder. As for Usyk, he earned 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’ll keep a close eye on the adjustments both heavyweights make in their rematch.
Follow along with Bloody Elbow for all the latest coverage on Usyk vs. Fury 2.
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