Hearn Considered Fury’s Need to Change Tactics Against Usyk
Eddie Hearn discussed Tyson Fury’s tactical choices before the first Oleksandr Usyk fight in May 2024. The promoter anticipated that Fury might need to become more aggressive if Usyk established an early advantage in their heavyweight championship contest.
The prediction concerned the opening meeting
Sky Sports published Hearn’s discussion on May 17, before the first fight. A contemporaneous report described his view that Usyk could move ahead during the opening five or six rounds.
Hearn expected Fury to need an adjustment in that situation, increasing his pressure rather than continuing with the same approach. His comments were a pre-fight assessment of possible tactics.
Usyk won the first contest
Their May meeting ended with Usyk taking a split decision. He overcame a difficult middle portion and produced a major ninth-round attack that forced a count against Fury.
The victory ended Fury’s unbeaten record and made Usyk undisputed heavyweight champion. That completed result supplied the competitive outcome after the various tactical predictions made during the buildup.
The rematch also went to Usyk
The fighters met again at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on December 21, 2024. This time, all three judges favored Usyk 116–112 after twelve rounds.
Usyk retained the WBC, WBA and WBO heavyweight championships by unanimous decision. The two victories belonged to separate bouts, while Hearn’s verified May discussion preceded the opening meeting and should be understood within that earlier pre-fight context.
Sources
- Sky Sports: dated May 17 Hearn discussion
- Boxing News 24: attributed tactical prediction before the first fight
- Sky Sports: first-fight outcome and ninth-round attack
- Matchroom Boxing: rematch date and scores
- WBC: rematch venue and titles retained
