TYSON FURY has been brutally told by Tony Bellew that he only has a “puncher’s chance” of beating Oleksandr Usyk.
The pair of undefeated champions were set to meet in the heavyweight division’s first four belt undisputed title decider on February 17.
EPATyson Fury facing off with Oleksandr Usyk[/caption]
Tony Bellew was knocked out by Usyk in 2018Getty Images – Getty
But Fury was forced to withdraw after suffering a horror cut in sparring that required over ten stitches.
The bout has since been postponed to May 18 and the Gypsy King is due to be back in camp with his coach Sugarhill Steward.
But Bellew – sent into retirement by Usyk in 2018 – believes Fury’s aggressive style under Steward could lead to his downfall.
He told Matchroom Boxing: “I don’t think anybody beats Oleksandr Usyk. I don’t think anybody beats him. I said it many, many moons ago.
“The craziest part about it is I think when Fury was with his uncle [Peter], I do think he’d beat him, but his style changed, and now he’s an aggressive counter-puncher, and that isn’t going to work against Usyk.”
Fury joined Sugarhill – nephew to legendary coach Emanuel – in 2020 before his rematch with Deontay Wilder.
He went on to twice stop Wilder, while doing the same to Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora.
In Fury’s last fight though, he was dropped by ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou but escaped with a controversial split-decision win.
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It leaves Bellew backing Usyk to beat the Gypsy King, despite the Brit demonstrating more power in recent fights.
He said: “I think now he has a puncher’s chance, but he isn’t a big puncher.
“To be honest, I think he’s a brilliant fighter. Take nothing away from him, what he’s done for the heavyweight division is amazing, but I think Oleksandr Usyk is the best heavyweight in the world.”