Klitschko Tells Usyk How To Beat Fury – Target The Cut

Wladimir Klitschko has advised Oleksandr Uysk to focus on Tyson Fury’s cut in their Undisputed Heavyweight Clash on May 18. 

Klitschko faced Fury in 2015, losing a unanimous decision. The win made Fury the Unified Heavyweight Champion of the World. Fury outboxed Klitschko in his backyard, as the Ukrainian had no answer. Now, another Ukrainian has the chance to take on Fury. Fury vs. Usyk was meant for February 17. However, the Gypsy King suffered a big cut over his right eye in sparring. It required 11 stitches, as the fight was rescheduled for this weekend. 

The cut would usually take a minimum of three months to heal. While Fury’s team has reassured fans that it has healed, it could be an area of weakness. It is in the same area Fury cut in the Otto Wallin fight. The Gypsy King was lucky the Wallin fight was not stopped due to the excessive bleeding. It could be an area Usyk focuses on. Frank Warren said it would be obvious to target the cut, but Usyk will want to avoid being predictable. 

Fury’s Cut

“Well, I would [target the eye]. Of course he will [try to reopen it]. He had a worse cut against [Otto] Wallin. Tyson had a dreadful cut in that fight and won the fight convincingly with a bad cut, a real bad cut,” Warren stated

At the same time, there are worries that Usyk is weak to the body. During his time in the amateurs, he was dropped with a body shot by Artur Beterbiev. Usyk also felt some discomfort against Anthony Joshua in the rematch. Joshua landed a body shot in round nine, which slowed down the Ukrainian. While Usyk came back stronger in the next round, it did show a sign for concern.

In his last fight against Daniel Dubois, Usyk hit the canvas in round five after a body shot. However, the punch was declared a low blow. That allowed Usyk up to five minutes to recover. He never looked back, as he stopped Dubois in the ninth round. The decision was controversial, as Warren launched an appeal to the WBA to get the decision overturned into a no-contest.

Usyk’s Body

However, the decision was upheld, giving Usyk the win. Fury could hit the body, but once again, he will not want to be predictable. Fury also risk opening up if he targets the body, as he will have to punch down, leaving his face exposed. Teddy Atlas, however, felt his could be an area that Fury exploits. 

“Fury’s camp would be irresponsible if they didn’t figure out in their game plan and test the body after what they seen from some of the reactions to body punches by Usyk. How many 6’9” guys with that kind of height go to the body? Not too many. It’s not easy to do, but it can be done. Fury is athletic enough to do it. I’ve seen him throw right hands to the body. You got to be able to do it without leaving yourself open to a really good counterpuncher,” Atlas stated