Roy Jones Jr has insisted that Tyson Fury must change his approach in order to exact revenge on Oleksandr Usyk.
The two dynamic heavyweights will collide once again in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 21, following their compelling encounter for the undisputed crown back in May.
Oleksandr Usyk, of course, emerged victorious, producing a scintillating performance to outpoint his rival after dishing out a punishing onslaught in the ninth round.
But still, pound-for-pound legend Jones believes that Tyson Fury has plenty more tools in his locker, urging him to utilize his physical prowess against the former undisputed cruiserweight champion.
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Roy Jones Jr highlights Deontay Wilder performance as blueprint to beating Oleksandr Usyk
Ahead of their first showdown, it was widely believed that Fury’s physical advantages – his longer reach, bigger frame, more imposing strength – would pay dividends.
However, Usyk proved that he can not only outshine his rival on a technical level, but also compete with him in a more scrappy exchange.
Not only that, but the Ukrainian’s versatile skillset allows him to find comfort at any range, pumping his feet from the outside while also mixing it up at close quarters.
Fury, meanwhile, must find a way to disrupt his opponent’s rhythm, perhaps by mirroring his tactics in the Deontay Wilder rematch.
That night back in 2020, ‘The Gypsy King’ was able to push the formidable puncher onto the backfoot, forcing their clash to be fought on his terms.
And now, Jones is keen to see a similar display in nine days’ time, believing that Fury must establish himself as the bigger, stronger man.
“Fury needs to use his jab, his size, and dominate from the outside,” Jones told Covers. “Quit backing up from little, itty-bitty Usyk. He’s smaller than you.
“Use your jab. Stalk him like you did against Wilder. Make him respect you as the big man and jab him all night.
“Keep popping that jab, make him stay on the outside and feed him like a little kid that’s been bad in the house, make Usyk wait on the outside.”
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Should Tyson Fury use Deontay Wilder rematch tactics against Oleksandr Usyk?
While it is important for Fury to utilize his physical strengths, he must also be mindful of Usyk’s sharp counterpunching skills.
The 37-year-old, after all, is a far more advanced operator than Wilder, often befuddling opponents with his slick southpaw style.
And so, should he choose to march his opponent down, Fury must remain defensively responsible at all times, not presenting Usyk with any openings to land his thudding left hand.
At the same time, though, the master technician will be afforded less time to plan his attacks if he is pressurized from the opening round.