Author: Sean Crose
The first two fights are generally considered to be the final fights. Close, but final. While it was true that Tyson Fury could have given Oleksandr Usyk a real challenge, it was difficult to find anyone other than Fury himself who would argue that Usyk didn’t deserve the referee’s nod after their two heavyweight title fights. However, Fury is an assertive man, so on the eve of the rematch with Arslanbek Makhmudov, he makes it clear that he wants to attack the brilliant Usyk once again. “He wants to be the best,” said Fury’s promoter Frank Warren, “That’s how he always has been. He told me he wants to fight Usyk again.”
When it comes to Warren, everything is rather plain. “Tyson is a fighter,” he said. “He loves it. He goes to the gym and when he gets down to stern training, he wants to see the end result, and the end result for him is a fight. ” Fury may like the fight game, but will Usyk – or the public – want a third fight to happen? The word “ultimate” comes up again in the conversation. Were the first two battles, obviously quality issues, really calling out for a third act? Perhaps the decision rests with Usyk.
“For me,” admitted Warren, “he (Fury) doesn’t have to fight. He’s cemented his legacy. But he keeps fighting and he’s going to be a great addition to the heavyweight scene. He’s a great personality. The crowds are coming out to see him, it’s a very essential moment in his career. While that’s true, there’s no doubt that time always moves forward – and Fury, at 37, is no longer a youthful man. Warren knows that very well. ‘If he’s going to come back,’ he said, ‘I’d rather he do it now than later.’ four or five years, when his powers are likely to be weakened.”
Before Fury fights Usyk or anyone else, he must first defeat Makhmudov in April. “It’s an uphill battle for him to come back,” Warren admits, “but if he gets through this, we’ll see where we go.” So Fury could be in trouble when he slips between the ropes for the first time in years. As they say, it’s all about the warrior in front of you.