Tony Bellew believes Tyson Fury’s ‘only chance’ of beating Oleksandr Usyk relies on the Gypsy King taking a huge risk and staying on the front foot for the entire fight.
Fury and Usyk will go toe-to-toe in a hotly-anticipated rematch on December 21 after the latter won on a split decision back in May.
The British heavyweight superstar was up on two judges scorecards by the start of the eighth round, but things soon started to turn in the Ukrainian’s favour.
Fury came close to being knocked out for the first time in his career in the ninth round as Usyk took control of the fight.
Tyson Fury was beaten by Oleksandr Usyk in their first fight
PA
The Manchester-born boxer now has a chance of redemption this month as he puts the finishing touches to his preparations.
Bellew, who lost to Usyk in 2018, feels Fury will have to take a different approach if he wants to overcome his nemesis.
But the former cruiserweight world champion went on to warn Fury that it may also play into Usyk’s hands.
“Going off the last fight, he got bullied and pushed back,” Bellew said on talkSPORT.
“The victim now has to turn into the bully. He has to be the bully. He has to be the big man who takes the fight to Oleksandr Usyk.
“I think that might be a bad thing for him but, in being honest, I think that’s the only chance he has.
“You can’t outbox Oleksandr Usyk. You will not outbox him.
“He’s a better boxer than you.”
Bellew announced his retirement from boxing in the ring following his defeat to Usyk six years ago.
Tony Bellew fought Oleksandr Usyk in 2018
PA
The 42-year-old compared Usyk to a ‘computer’ for his ability to quickly read his opponent and get the upper hand in the fight.
He added: “His footwork is on another level,” Bellew added.
“I’ve never seen it before. You’re fighting the guy and he’s basically a computer.
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“He’s downloading everything you’re doing and he’s taking it on board and then he’s switching it around and he’s going to use it against you.
“He’s downloading it, then he puts the data down, then he uses it against you.
“You’re like, ‘how did he know I was going there?’ Well he’s been downloading, now he’s got you.”
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