20 June 2024 , 17:36
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Tyson Fury has been told he can't call himself a generational great if he loses to Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch.
The Brit lost on points to Usyk in their undisputed heavyweight world title fight last month. Fury started the fight well but Usyk found a second wind and came close to KO'ing Fury before winning a split decision. Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn thinks Fury must beat Usyk when they fight for the second time in December to solidify his legacy.
“If he doesn’t beat Usyk, he will not go down as a generational great,” Hearn said. “He’ll go down as a great heavyweight, who was amazing for the sport – British world heavyweight champion, great personality, but not a true great in my opinion. Because he just hasn’t beaten the opposition. He beat Deontay Wilder.
Anthony Joshua is targeting an undisputed world title fight and potentially a third meeting with Usyk if he beats Daniel Dubois in September. 'AJ' did what Fury couldn't by KO'ing former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in just five minutes and Hearn thinks the domestic rivals both need each other.
"Where’s the other elite guys that he beat? That’s why they need each other. AJ needs Fury, AJ needs to beat Usyk. Usyk’s done it now, Usyk’s a generational great, an undisputed cruiserweight champion and undisputed heavyweight champion. He beat AJ twice, I mean, if he beats [Fury] again, he’s home and dry, unless AJ can come back and get him," he added.
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"I feel AJ’s resume is fantastic but he still needs a victory over Usyk or Fury to become. I’m talking a generational great, I’m talking, Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, George Foreman. He’ll want that and Fury will be right up for this rematch." Fury sparked concern after being escorted out of a bar on a night out two weeks ago, but has assured fans is he ready for his rematch with Usyk.
"I know what I have to do, I saw my shortcomings and best believe I am inevitable. I'm back in the gym as you can see, counting down the days until I get my redemption on Usyk. December 21 is going to be my time. I've done everything in boxing but I haven't come back from a loss. This is my chance to come back and redeem myself," Fury said.