Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is among those who have offered his predictions for the Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury rematch. In a surprising statement, Hearn has changed his mind on who is the favourite for this clash, leaving more than a few people surprised.
“Fury wins, I’m leaning towards him, I’ve had a slight change of heart,” said Hearn, surprising the audience, as weeks earlier he had predicted an Usyk victory in a conversation with the same YouTube channel.
Last October, Hearn had commented: “I have no idea how he can beat Usyk, but Tyson Fury is a very intelligent fighter. He has very clever people in his corner, and from a strategic point of view in boxing, he is at the top. Unfortunately, Usyk is there too. So, my money, especially when he won the first fight, will always be on Usyk.”
“I would love to see Fury win, but I see him as the underdog in this fight,” were the promoter’s direct words a few weeks ago.
However, this change of direction seems to have an economic interest beyond the sporting aspect, so Hearn has changed his mind thinking about the future.
“I think Fury could face Anthony Joshua for the unified heavyweight championship of the world. It would be the biggest fight in the history of the sport. At Wembley, Riyadh, wherever,” Hearn said.
“My heart wants to see Tyson Fury win. Not only because he is British, but also because I want to organize the fight against AJ,” added the promoter.
Tyson Fury is also thinking about the future. In an interview with DAZN, the Englishman made it clear that there should be a third fight against Oleksandr Usyk if he is victorious on December 21 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
Usyk won by split decision in the first fight between the two heavyweights in May. The thrilling night in Saudi Arabia saw the Ukrainian crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion with all four belts.
In a tense fight, which could have gone either way, Usyk claimed victory after three of the four judges declared him the winner.
It was Fury’s first defeat in a 16-year professional career, leaving him deeply shaken and eager for revenge.
In other news, boxing legend Mike Tyson’s wife Lakiha “Kiki” Spicer has decided that his boxing days are over. Tyson, known for his iconic career and subsequent comebacks, now appears to be facing his final retirement with Spicer by his side.
According to Tyson’s son Amir, Spicer has been a key figure in Tyson’s life and does not support any future foray into boxing. Speaking to The Sun, Amir revealed: “My stepmother says it’s over, and they’re a team. That’s a husband and wife thing.”
Spicer’s decision comes after Tyson’s controversial fight against YouTuber Jake Paul, where the former heavyweight champion struggled to stay on his feet in the later rounds. Despite the fight ending in a decision loss for Tyson, many believed that Paul helped the 57-year-old legend avoid a knockout.
The impact of the Jake Paul fight raised questions about Tyson’s ability to continue competing. After the fight, Jake Paul said: “I didn’t want to hurt someone who didn’t need to be hurt.” However, Tyson seemed less convinced about his retirement, joking about a possible fight against Paul’s brother Logan.
“I don’t know [if I’ll fight again]. It depends on the situation,” Tyson said in a post-fight interview. Logan, quick to respond, taunted Tyson by saying, “I’d kill you, Mike.” Tyson replied, “Then let’s go.”
Despite the jokes, Amir Tyson hinted that his father won’t pay much attention to outside advice, even from family. “He’s his own man,” Amir said. “If I tell him too much, he’ll just tell me to shut up.”
The end of a career under scrutiny
The aftermath of Tyson’s last fight has been anything but smooth. Lawsuits related to the event, involving promoters, Netflix and the fighters themselves, have kept Tyson’s name in the headlines.
With Spicer holding his own and Tyson’s recent struggles in the ring, it appears the former champion’s gloves will finally be hung up for good. Spicer’s influence, coupled with Tyson’s age and physical wear and tear, could mark the end of one of boxing’s most colorful and tumultuous careers.
While fans await confirmation, one thing is clear: Tyson’s journey from boxing legend to cultural icon has left an indelible mark. Whether he fights again or not, the “Baddest Man on the Planet” remains a larger-than-life figure.
