8 Reasons Why Tyson Fury Lost to Oleksandr Usyk, From Fury Himself
Tyson Fury’s first fight with Oleksandr Usyk back on May 18th was a highly anticipated clash that lived up to its billing—but not for the reasons Fury had hoped. Despite his pre-fight confidence and promises to dominate, Fury found himself on the losing end of a hard-fought 12-round split decision, with Usyk emerging as the victor.
While Fury has made claims of a controversial decision, the reality is that a combination of factors led to his defeat. Here are eight reasons why Tyson Fury lost to Oleksandr Usyk:
1. Complacency After Early Rounds
Fury’s own words reflect a key mistake in his mindset. He admitted to becoming too comfortable in the middle rounds of the fight, which gave Usyk the chance to take control. “I got too complacent by round six and seven,” Fury acknowledged. His failure to maintain focus after gaining an early advantage allowed Usyk to settle into a rhythm, dictating the pace for the remainder of the fight.
2. Usyk’s Superior Technical Skill
Usyk’s brilliance in the ring cannot be overstated. He is known for his exceptional footwork, high boxing IQ, and ability to control distance. Fury, typically known for his unorthodox style and size, struggled to cope with Usyk’s precise jabs and movement. While Fury’s size advantage was expected to be a key factor, Usyk’s agility and ability to stay elusive outclassed Fury’s efforts, leaving him frustrated.
3. Lack of Adjustments in the Later Rounds
Fury’s inability to make effective adjustments during the fight was another crucial factor in his loss. As the rounds went on, Usyk was able to adjust his strategy, moving in and out of range while landing clean shots. Fury, on the other hand, seemed to fight the same way throughout, failing to adapt and counter Usyk’s changing tactics, leaving him vulnerable as the fight wore on.
4. Punch Resistance Worsening After Wilder Trilogy
Tyson Fury’s legendary trilogy with Deontay Wilder, particularly their brutal third encounter, seemed to take a toll on his punch resistance. In the Usyk fight, Fury appeared more susceptible to punches, especially in the later rounds. The one punch in round nine from Usyk that hurt Fury, followed by the standing eight count, demonstrated that his ability to absorb punishment may have diminished since the Wilder fights.
5. Mental Distractions and Inactivity
Fury’s mental state has often been a topic of conversation. In the lead-up to the Usyk fight, Fury had been open about his struggles with mental health and the distractions in his personal life. Additionally, his sporadic fight schedule—paired with long periods of inactivity—likely contributed to a lack of sharpness in his performance. Without the necessary mental focus and rhythm, Fury found himself outclassed by Usyk’s consistency and discipline.
6. Injuries and Lack of Full Preparation
Fury entered the Usyk fight with a reported cut above his eye, which may have affected his preparation. Although he didn’t make it a public excuse immediately after the fight, lingering injuries and setbacks in camp could have hindered his ability to train at his peak. An injured Fury may not have been able to put in the necessary work to overcome Usyk’s challenges.
7. Ring Rust and Lack of Recent High-Level Competition
Another factor that may have contributed to Fury’s loss was his lack of recent top-tier competition. His two prior fights, victories over Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora, didn’t offer the kind of challenge that would prepare him for a fighter of Usyk’s caliber. Without a proper test, Fury may have struggled to bring the level of intensity needed to defeat a champion as skilled as Usyk.
8. Overconfidence and Underestimation of Usyk
Fury’s confidence has always been one of his strengths, but it may have worked against him in this instance. He was vocal before the fight, claiming that Usyk was too small and would be easily overpowered by his size. This overconfidence likely led to Fury underestimating Usyk’s capabilities, failing to respect his skill set in the early rounds. Fury’s underestimation of his opponent resulted in him being caught off guard by Usyk’s superior performance.
Conclusion
While the fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk was close and competitive, there were several clear factors that led to Fury’s loss. From complacency and mental distractions to Usyk’s technical mastery, Fury faced a series of challenges that he couldn’t overcome on the night.
As the rematch draws near, Fury will need to address these issues head-on if he hopes to secure the win he desires. Whether he can overcome the mental and physical barriers that plagued him in the first fight remains to be seen, but the lessons from their first encounter are undeniable.
