THINGS are literally looking up for Oleksandr Usyk as a “very clever” training change overshadowed even his amazing body transformation.
Size isn’t everything but the Ukrainian is preparing for Tyson Fury‘s extra six inches in their world heavyweight title unification fight by raising his game substantially.
Oleksandr Usyk used a specially-raised punchball in trainingInstagram / @uskyaa
Instagram / @uskyaaUsyk has to look and aim higher before facing Tyson Fury[/caption]
Boxing enthusiasts spotted him jabbing up at a specially-elevated punchball as the 6ft 3in stylist gets ready for the 6ft 9in Gypsy King on May 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
And after the unified champ posted his unusual clip on Instagram, one fan posted: “Very clever…. target is placed high.”
A second observer claimed: “That height is right on.”
A third wrote: “I see you have this bag set high up to simulate 6’9 Fury.”
And another predicted: “Fury’s head will be bobbling like that in a couple months.”
Usyk also looks more toned than ever, but Fury has been hailed for his own peak condition six weeks before their mega-money showdown.
The Mancunian’s sparring partner Ty Mitchell posted pictures this week of the Brit looking his leanest yet.
Mitchell then predicted “total “domination” for his friend against Usyk.
Meanwhile, promoter Frank Warren is among those claiming the Gypsy King, 35 will exploit what he calls the 37-year-old’s “Achilles heel” – his body.
But fans who saw Usyk pounding his extra-tall punchbag seemed divided over the likely outcome.
Those backing his British rival claimed the older man was “Too short to hit the king”.
And another suggested: “Fury will destroy that body and be victorious.”
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