‘Not that simple’ – Lennox Lewis gives firm view on Tyson Fury’s chances of beating Oleksandr Usyk in rematch

Lennox Lewis believes Tyson Fury will be keeping any adjustments for a rematch against Oleksandr Usyk close to his chest.

Fury is set to step in the ring with Usyk for a second time, having been outpointed by the tricky Ukrainian during an undisputed heavyweight title encounter in May.

Fury was narrowly beaten by Usyk but has a quickfire shot at revengeCredit: Getty

It will be an uphill battle to overturn his first career defeat to the champion, but he will attempt to do so on December 21 in Riyadh in an immediate sequel.

Lennox Lewis was the last undisputed champion in 1999 before Usyk was crowned with a win over Fury.

The ‘Gypsy King’ has insisted in the build-up to the encounter, that he will keep his approach similar, as he believes he did enough to win the fight.

But Lewis isn’t so sure, and believes that adjustments will be made and a new version of the former two-time champion will be unleashed.

“No, it’s not as simple as that,” he said during an interview with Boxing News. “He does need to make some adjustments.

“If he didn’t make any adjustments, then he would lose the fight again.

“He needs to step into the ring with a clear approach and be ready to throw far more punches than in the first bout.

“I don’t think he wants to give too much away. And I think we’re going to get a different Tyson for this fight.

“I think he realises what he did wrong in that first fight.”

Fury judged himself to have won the fight when releasing his own scorecard after the bout.

Lewis does not believe Fury will be the same when the rematch approachesCredit: Getty

But unfortunately that wasn’t reality, as a knockdown in round nine saw him on the back foot and succumb to the receiving end of a split decision.

Many criticised the Briton’s corner with trainers Andy Lee, Sugar Hill Steward and his father John all barking instructions during the fight.

It was also a turbulent build-up for Fury, who had been forced to withdraw from their originally scheduled date, after suffering a cut in sparring.

In turn, it hampered his preparations to take on Usyk, and contributed to the maiden loss of his career.

And Lee, who will be in Fury’s corner again for the second episode, believes the ability to spar will be crucial this time around.

He told talkSPORT: “Because of the rearranged date because of the cut, Tyson couldn’t spar.

“The conditioning and sharpness it took away, and his ability to concentrate and stay ready and sustain attacks.

“When Tyson would have success he would have to ease off and back away and build up his energy again before moving on.

“It will be different because he will be able to spar.

“I think Usyk will look to feint and come forward, which will force Tyson to engage with him or box and move.

“He couldn’t come forward because he didn’t have the conditioning from not sparring, and he had to take breaks.

“This time round, how he will win it is he will be better conditioned and sharper.”