Former cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson has recently commented on Tyson Fury’s loss to Oleksandr Usyk, highlighting it as a significant indicator of the Gypsy King’s physical deterioration. Nelson pointed out that Fury’s decline was evident in his previous fight against Francis Ngannou, where the 37-year-old Ngannou dominated and “beat up” the 35-year-old Fury. Some fans initially attributed Fury’s poor performance to external factors such as his weight and lack of focus on his opponent, but the reality of his physical decline cannot be ignored.
As Fury went through two training camps for his fight against Usyk, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion, it became clear that he had deteriorated significantly. His performance in losing a 12-round split decision to Usyk exposed his declining physicality, age, wear, and defensive vulnerability. Many observers believed that Usyk should have knocked Fury out in the ninth round, indicating just how far Fury’s abilities have regressed. Additionally, Fury’s waning physicality has become a major concern, with issues like declining leg strength, reduced punch resistance, slower hand speed, and a fragile chin being highlighted.
In assessing the match between Fury and Usyk, Johnny Nelson pointed out that Fury’s legs have deteriorated and his resistance has taken a significant hit. This decrease in physical ability is not limited to just his legs, as Fury’s punch resistance and hand speed have also seen significant declines. Nelson used colorful language to describe Fury’s current state, stating that he is slow, out of shape, unable to deliver impactful punches, and now has a weak chin. The moment in the ninth round when Usyk was on the verge of stopping Fury highlighted just how much the once dominant fighter has regressed physically.
Looking ahead to a potential rematch between Fury and Usyk, Nelson emphasized the importance of Fury taking a more aggressive approach from the opening bell to the final round. However, given Fury’s current physical limitations and tactical vulnerabilities, executing such a strategy may be easier said than done. As Nelson pointed out, Fury’s inability to effectively attack Usyk in their previous encounter led him to adopt a defensive posture, which ultimately played into Usyk’s strengths. Reverting to the aggressive and dominant style Fury displayed against Deontay Wilder in 2020 may no longer be a realistic option given his physical decline.
Tyson Fury’s recent loss to Oleksandr Usyk serves as a stark reminder of the toll that age, wear, and physical decline can take on a once-dominant athlete. While some fans may continue to hold out hope for Fury’s redemption, the reality of his current physical state and tactical vulnerabilities suggest that his path back to the top of the heavyweight division may be more challenging than ever before. As Johnny Nelson’s assessment highlights, Fury’s road to redemption may require more than just a change in tactics – it may necessitate a fundamental transformation in his physical abilities and approach to the sport if he hopes to reclaim his former glory.