Lennox Lewis Advises Tyson Fury to Be “Totally Serious” for Usyk Rematch

Lennox Lewis has stated that Tyson Fury must inflict “hurt and pain” to defeat Oleksandr Usyk in their upcoming heavyweight rematch scheduled for Saturday. Fury, aged 36, is aiming for retribution against the undefeated Usyk, following his split-decision loss to him in May. Lewis, a former undisputed heavyweight champion, had previously predicted a victory for Fury in their initial encounter and is once again favoring the Briton for the rematch, provided Fury utilizes his advantages effectively. “Tyson Fury wins this because he is the bigger man. He will use his jab and needs to throw more punches than the first fight. He can’t muck around and needs to be totally serious,” Lewis informed BBC Sport. He added, “Usyk is good at making you pay. He moves well and that movement is to make you miss and then make you pay.” Lewis further commented, “It’s not easy to move around the ring for 12 rounds and I think it will come down to who seizes the moment, who has the best stamina and who punches the most accurate.” Usyk, aged 37, achieved the status of undisputed champion by defeating Fury, becoming the first heavyweight to do so since Lewis 25 years prior. The upcoming bout on Saturday will not be contested for the undisputed title, as Usyk was compelled to relinquish the IBF belt in the weeks following his initial win. Lewis offered advice to Usyk, who is considered a slight favorite for the rematch, suggesting he “stay close” to Fury to secure another victory. “When Fury punches, you punch – make him miss and make him pay again,” Lewis stated. He continued, “Get inside and hit the body because later in the rounds that will impact Tyson Fury.” Fury, the fighter from Morecambe, weighed four stone more than Usyk at Friday’s weigh-in, intending to leverage his significant size advantage. Should Fury become a three-time heavyweight champion, he would join an exclusive group of athletes. Lewis himself accomplished this feat, as did Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield. “It’s a very exclusive club. Only the strong survive,” Lewis remarked concerning Fury’s prospects. He concluded, “I set records for people to make history to come back and beat. Tyson Fury is trying to make history but he’s got a lot work to do. He’s going to be in the battlefield.”