TYSON FURY has been warned he faces being “a step behind” the elusive Oleksandr Usyk as Tony Bellew made a U-turn in his fight prediction.
Fury, 34, and Usyk, 36, have been negotiating the heavyweight division’s first four-belt undisputed decider since the new year.
ReutersTyson Fury facing off with Oleksandr Usyk[/caption]
And despite talks dragging on, a fight date in Saudi Arabia on April 29 is being eyed.
The drawn out discussions have allowed for several opinions to alter on how the bout will play out.
And ex-cruiserweight world champion Bellew – who was sent into retirement by Usyk in 2018 – has also changed his mind.
He told JOE: “I’ve always thought Fury’s going to be too big, but the closer this has drawn I actually side towards Usyk.
“I think Usyk is the only one that can beat him. What I will say about Tyson Fury is, since linking up with SugarHill, his style has evolved massively.
“He is no longer a feather fisted fighter. He’s a heavy handed, pressure counter puncher.
“I think it’s one of the best transformations I’ve ever seen in a fighter.
“I’ve always thought he’s gonna be a really huge, awkward heavyweight that is a nightmare to fight, but now he’s a big, awkward, dangerous heavyweight.”
When is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk? Date, TV channel – everything we know so far
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
Bellew points to Fury’s 2013 win over former cruiserweight Steve Cunningham, who dropped the Gypsy King, to strengthen his case.
He added: “The only problem is, at that kind of weight and that kind of size, he’s always going to be a step behind Oleksandr Usyk.
“Usyk has got the greatest footwork in the world. His feet are just exceptional.
“I understand the theory of Fury being the favourite going in, but if anyone is going to beat him, it’s going to be Oleksandr Usyk because he is quick enough to dart in and out all night.
“He is fit enough. He is sharp enough. To take [Fury’s] quote, the hardest he’s ever pushed was Steve Cunningham, a cruiserweight who dropped him.
“If you think Steve Cunningham’s style is hard, wait till you f***ing get in the ring with Oleksandr Usyk, mate.”
Tony Bellew was sent into retirement by Oleksandr UsykGetty Images – Getty Read More