Tyson Fury is just over a week away from his eagerly anticipated rematch with heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The pair squared off in a compelling showdown earlier this year, with Oleksandr Usyk emerging victorious after scoring a stunning standing count in the ninth round.
But instead of succumbing to the Ukrainian’s onslaught, Tyson Fury showed tremendous powers of recovery to hear the final bell, losing a somewhat contentious split decision.
Yet still, after becoming a two-division undisputed champion, Usyk will undoubtedly be drenched in confidence when they collide for what promises to deliver another enthralling encounter this Saturday.
John Fury was heavily criticised for his advice in Tyson Fury’s corner
For his first clash with Usyk back in May, Fury’s corner consisted of head coach SugarHill Steward, former world middleweight champion Andy Lee and his father, John Fury.
Steward, of course, has trained ‘The Gypsy King’ since his dominant rematch against Deontay Wilder, when the team produced a meticulous gameplan to dethrone the WBC titlist.
Before that, boxing fans largely expressed their concerns with the prospect of Fury seeking the knockout against Wilder, a tremendously devastating puncher.
But when he began marching ‘The Bronze Bomber’ down – before producing an emphatic seventh-round finish – it was clear that there was indeed a method to the madness.
And so, with Steward and Lee, the Brit’s assistant trainer, having guided team Fury for over four years, John’s involvement certainly came as a surprise in the first Usyk fight.
But still, the outspoken father made sure to have his voice heard in the corner, often silencing the more considered instructions from Steward and Lee.
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Andy Lee remains uncertain of John Fury’s involvement in Oleksandr Usyk rematch
While recognising the disruption in their corner several months ago, Lee cannot confirm whether John will make another appearance in six days’ time.
“Who knows what will happen? I don’t,” Lee told The Sun. “Last time the corner was hectic, especially towards the end of the fight.
“There were three different voices in there, SugarHill, John and me. I can understand, from a dad’s point of view, he was trying to protect his son.
“But SugarHill was trying to win the fight. I was told Tyson was two rounds down and I had to communicate that to him.”
Despite not knowing the full extent of the situation, Lee has previously insisted that Steward will be the leading voice in Fury’s corner.
Even so, there is still a possibility that John, being the larger than life character that he is, may attempt to stamp his authority throughout fight week.
But regardless of his dad’s potential involvement, Fury will need to remain focused on the task at hand, utilizing his strengths against Usyk’s remarkable technical prowess.