Tyson Fury accused of 'disrespecting boxing' as Oleksandr Usyk showdown nears

Tyson Fury accused of 'disrespecting boxing' as Oleksandr Usyk showdown nears

WATCH NOW: Frank Bruno and Nigel Farage discuss Tyson Fury

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 09/01/2024

- 08:20

The duo are due to fight on February 17

Tyson Fury has been accused of 'disrespecting boxing' as his blockbuster bout with Oleksandr Usyk rapidly approaches.

The 35-year-old is currently training and has a point to prove after underwhelming against Francis Ngannou last time out.


Fury was knocked down in round three of that showdown, with the world left stunned by Ngannou's power.

Though he eventually won via split decision, the Gypsy King has been widely criticised for his performances in the months since.

Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury has been accused of disrespecting boxing as his bout with Oleksandr Usyk rapidly approaches

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Fury, to his credit, seems to be taking his battle with Usyk seriously.

The Briton has been spotted in the gym looking leaner than before as their huge showdown in Saudi Arabia creeps closer.

Yet Robert Garcia, Anthony Joshua's former trainer, wants Usyk to 'put a beating' on Fury - while also accusing the veteran of 'disrespecting' the sport.

“I would like Usyk to put a beating on him," he told Boxing Social.

"Just ’cause of his last performance.

"I think he disrespected boxing, Fury was totally out of shape – people think he lost, I think he won, but he should have destroyed Ngannou.”

Garcia added: “I think Fury took it so lightly he didn’t even train and he disrespected boxing so I would love Usyk to slap him around.

"But if Fury’s in shape it’s a difficult fight.

“He uses his weight, his tricks, he pushes, he does so many things that make him so effective that if he’s in great shape, I pick him to beat Usyk.

"But I would like to see the opposite."

As for Ngannou, the former UFC star is poised to tackle Joshua later in the year.

And after performing so well against Fury, he's confident of beating Joshua.

“I think most likely (I’m) knocking Anthony Joshua out," he said.

“I think that he’s easier to go down than Fury.

"I mean, not that he’s not a strong fighter. He’s a very tough fighter, but he’s easier to send down than Fury, and it’s harder for him to get back up than Fury.”

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Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk

Tyson Fury seems to be taking his boxing fight with Oleksandr Usyk seriously

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He was also full of praise for Joshua following his victory over Otto Wallin in December.

“He looked amazing," he continued.

“Congratulations to him. He was doing his job properly.

"His speed was there. He looked sharp – very sharp.

"But on the other hand, I think there wasn’t a response in front of him.

Tyson Fury Francis Ngannou

Tyson Fury fight has Francis Ngannou feeling confident ahead of his showdown with Anthony Joshua

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“I think I will have a better response in front of him that will put him not in such comfortable positions and situations.

"Things will change. Things will be different.

"I will not stand there and just look at him – no.

"It’s going to be different. I’m going to throw some bombs out there, and he’s going to be mindful of what he’s doing.”

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