Tony Bellew has admitted he was shocked by how easily Oleksandr Usyk ‘bullied’ Tyson Fury in their fight back in May.
However, the Briton also thinks the Gypsy King is capable of avenging that defeat – despite the odds being stacked against him.
Fury was outclassed during the showdown earlier in the year, with Usyk reigning supreme via split decision.
It was the first loss of the 36-year-old’s professional career and many are expecting Usyk to win for a second time when they lock horns in Saudi Arabia on December 21.
Boxing news: Tony Bellew has admitted he was shocked by how easily Oleksandr Usyk ‘bullied’ Tyson Fury in their fight back in May
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Bellew, speaking to the Express, has admitted he was surprised by just how much Fury struggled during the first bout.
But the 41-year-old also thinks the Gypsy King could yet sneak a win if he makes some minor alterations to his game.
“He can’t allow himself to be bullied. It took me by surprise,” he admitted.
“I was one of the only analysts who picked Usyk before the fight.
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“Everybody thought Fury would be too big, too strong and too heavy. I told anyone who would listen that Usyk would win. I just didn’t envisage him winning by bullying Tyson Fury.
“It took Fury by surprise and it took everybody by surprise.
“He won’t get away with that again. This time, he will be a lot more savvy and a lot more aware.
“It’s insane that a man who is six-foot-three and just 100 kilos was able to bully this 20 stone, six-foot-nine monster, and that’s what he did.
“He won’t have that element of surprise going into the rematch.
“But ultimately, he [Usyk] is the best natural boxing heavyweight I’ve ever seen. I never thought he would be big enough for heavyweight.
“Do I think Fury is completely out of it? Absolutely not, no.
“But do I think he wins? No. I’d edge towards Usyk again. I think it will be a really close fight and I think Usyk wins it on points.”
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Boxing news: Tyson Fury was beaten by Oleksandr Usyk in their first bout back in May
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Fury was the favourite due to his height when he first battled Usyk.
However, the veteran insists he’s enjoying being the underdog as he prepares for his seismic return to action.
“I’ve always been a bad man my whole life, and I’m still one today at nearly 40 years old; a few years off 40, but I like to say that,” he told TNT Sports.
“I’m going to go in there with ‘destroy mode’.
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Boxing news: Tyson Fury is feeling positive as he prepares for his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk
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“Last time I went to box him, I was being cautious. I boxed the head right off him.
“Let’s talk facts. Anyone can get caught, as we’ve seen in a lot of these heavyweight fights.
“But this time I’m not going for a points decision. I’m going to knock a m**********r out.
“For the first time in years, I’m going in there as a challenger, not a champion.
“And I believe that I’m better as a challenger, always, because I’ve got that goal of achieving something and it’s giving me a fire underneath.”
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