Jeff Mayweather says Tyson Fury did not take enough risks, which is why he came up short against Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk secured another victory against Fury via a unanimous decision to retain his unified heavyweight titles. It was the second defeat of Fury’s career, ending any need for a trilogy fight. Once again, Fury was upset with the result, being adamant that he had done enough to win. Frank Warren also came out to say he could not understand the judging, as all three scorecards were 116-112 in favor of Usyk. However, the boxing statistics showed that the Ukrainian was the better fighter.
Usyk landed 179 punches compared to Fury’s 144. Fury threw more punches at 509 compared to Usyk’s 423. But the Ukrainian was the more accurate fighter. The card also used AI scoring for the first time in boxing’s history. The AI scorecards had it an even wider win for Usyk at 118-112. Mayweather has now given his take on what went wrong. He felt Fury did not take enough chances going into the latter part of the fight, which ultimately proved the difference, as Usyk finished stronger.
READ: VIDEO: ‘Not easy but easier’: Oleksandr Usyk reacts to second win over Tyson Fury
“The fight was extremely close. It could go either way, but I’ll lean a little bit toward Tyson. Every other round, he [Usyk] would do good, but not as much as Tyson did. Usyk is taking over the heavyweights. They’re all getting beat by Usyk. So, probably not. I don’t think anyone wants to see a third fight [between Fury and Usyk]. The first fight to me was very good. The second fight was mediocre. Neither one of them did too much. Basically, I think, both guys were fighting safe, and that’s probably why Tyson didn’t get the fight. He was fighting too safe,” Mayweather said
It is one thing to say that but another thing entirely to execute it. A large part of Fury’s problem was that he could not keep up with Usyk’s constant pressure. The Ukrainian is known for his impeccable footwork, as he continuously put his front foot on the outside, allowing him to get into position to let that left hand go. Fury also came in heavier than the first fight, which may have had an impact later down the stretch. Although it could have helped Fury sit down on his punches, if he attempted to get the knockout, he would ultimately carry more pounds.
There is also a suggestion that Fury did not risk going for the knockout, given what happened in the first fight. He ultimately lost a split decision but was almost stopped in the ninth round, only for the referee to intervene by imposing a standing eight count. If Fury continues boxing, he is likely to face Anthony Joshua. While he was stopped against Daniel Dubois, AJ is known for letting off huge combinations. And if Fury wants to come out victorious in the big fights, he must take more chances.
