Tyson Fury was 'not as confident as before' during his recent defeat to Oleksandr Usyk and looked 'nervous', according to the Ukrainian's countryman, Oleksandr Gvozdyk.
Fury went into his clash with Usyk last month looking to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
Yet despite putting in a strong showing, the Briton was ultimately beaten on points - with a flurry of punches in the ninth round leaving him reeling.
Fury will return to the ring against Usyk on December 21 looking to avenge his defeat.
Boxing news: Tyson Fury has resumed training ahead of his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk later this year
PA
But Gvozdyk thinks things could be 'even worse' for the 35-year-old later in the year - while also expressing a belief Fury was beaten both in and out of the ring.
“I think it will be even worse for Fury in the rematch," he told Boxing Scene.
"I know Usyk – once he catches you, he won’t let you go. Usyk is going to be even more confident in the next fight.
"Fury is better off fighting Anthony Joshua The first fight was just a brilliant performance. He beat Fury everywhere, in and out of the ring."
Gvozdyk added: "Fury likes to play mind games; in this case, it was the complete opposite.
READ MORE:England player ratings vs Serbia: Bellingham steals the show as duo surprise in Euro 2024 win
"I think Usyk got in his head. I didn't see Fury as confident as before, when he was a killer and super-confident.
"With Usyk, he was trying to do the same, but you can see in his eyes and by his mimics that he's [Fury] different and nervous.
"He was nervous in the ring. Usyk is the well-deserved No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.”
Fury, since his defeat, has sparked fears after recently being escorted out of a bar in Morecambe.
The heavyweight star was also caught on camera appearing to fall on the floor outside.
Yet Fury insists he's ready to fight again, with the boxing star taking to social media and telling his fans: "Listen up! I’ve conquered everything in boxing – titles, records, the lot.
"But I’ve never had to come back from a loss. On December 21st in Riyadh, in the heart of the kingdom, the king will reclaim his throne and become undisputed.
"@usykaa, I’m coming for you! Get ready for the Gypsy King! The path to redemption is all mine.
"I know what I have to do, I saw my shortcomings and best believe I am inevitable."
Meanwhile, Carl Froch has defended Fury and insists the fan who filmed the Gypsy King being escorted out of a bar should be 'ashamed of himself'.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Boxing news: Tyson Fury lost to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia last month
PA
“He’s had a night out, let his hair down," he said on his YouTube channel.
"He’s had too much to drink, it’s not a big issue. The guy who got the phone out should be ashamed of himself.
"He’s gone out, he’s had a couple of beverages, he’s had a good time and some t**t has filmed him and it’s ended up out there.
"But I think Tyson will now get back on his training, focus on his fight in December.
"It’s the rematch against somebody he lost to and he’s gonna want to avenge that.
Boxing news: Tyson Fury has branded himself 'inevitable' and says he will win his upcoming rematch with Oleksandr Usyk
PA
“I hope, and when I say it sincerely from the heart, I hope he’s coping with it. Cause we want to see him back.
"Tyson Fury can get them belts back to Britain and then have a few more fights before he decides to hang the gloves up.
"Just get back on it. Come on Tyson, get back in there. Get back in that gym.
"Believe in yourself and get this fight won."
