Despite Their Back and Forth, Eddie Hearn Picks Tyson Fury to Win Against Oleksandr Usyk

Published 01/31/2024, 3:00 PM EST

Eddie Hearn, not being a fan of Tyson Fury, is quite normal. However, as the WBC champion stands on the precipice of his career’s biggest fight yet, the promoter shied away from those hostilities. Why? He cites a common link he has with the heavyweight.

On the 17th of February, at the Kingdom Arena of Riyadh, a brutal clash will ensue between WBA/WBO/IBF titlist, Oleksandr Usyk and his long-standing rival, Fury. When the fight elapses, unless it ends in a draw, the heavyweight division will get its undisputed champion, a position unheld since 2000. Now, while confirming his attendance at the historic event, Hearn suggested why he wants Fury to win, despite being a fan of Usyk.

From foe to supporter

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Appearing on an interview with iFL TV, the promoter replied, “Absolutely,” confirming his presence at the event. Why? “We’ve got Jai Opetaia and hopefully Mr. Cordino as well. We have two world title fights on that card. So which is great because I can’t wait to watch the fight,” revealed Hearn. Jai Opetaia will be fighting Mairis Briedis for the vacant IBF Cruiserweight title and Joe Cordino will be defending his IBF Super Feather title against Anthony Cacace.

While choosing Fury over Usyk, the promoter added that he supports the fighter for two reasons. One, because Fury is British, an identity the promoter shares. Second, if the ‘Gypsy King’ successfully defeats his Ukrainian opponent, Hearn’s effort to get his fighter, Anthony Joshua, a chance at the championship gets easier. He noted, “One, because he’s British, two because, obviously, it could set up something major with AJ but I really can’t wait to see the fight.”

Earlier, the promoter in an interview had mentioned that he would take ‘AJ’ against Fury if the 34-year-old emerged undisputed. However, while the latter fights Usyk soon, his Londoner counterpart will face off against Fury’s previous opponent Francis Ngannou on the 8th of March in Riyadh.

Eddie Hearn, the face of Matchroom Boxing, did not just stop there. After years of feuding with Fury, he jotted down words of endearment for the Lancashire-based fighter.

Eddie Hearn has a “lot of respect” for Tyson Fury

In the conversation, he also explained his solidarity with Fury. He noted, “I know that we’ve had our back-and-forth over the years, but I have a lot of respect for him. Firstly, for what he did to get back from where he was. I think it was incredible. Two, I do rate him very highly as a fighter.”

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For a few years now, since Fury fought Otto Wallin in 2019, the fighter has been subjected to criticism for the supposed fall in his fighting skills. The crescendo of such flak came when he won against Francis Ngannou, a fighter who’s never boxed before through a tiny margin, via a split decision.

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Despite such shortcomings, Hearn believes Tyson Fury is an abled boxer. “I actually think he’s very, I mean he knows his boxing inside out, we all say things sometimes in interviews, that you know he said, he said that, but I respect what he’s done. I respect him as a fighter, and he’s a Brit, and I want him to win.”

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Do you see Hearn’s words coming true on the 17 February? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Written by:

As Manny Pacquiao once said, “Boxing is not about your feelings. It’s about performance.” Through my writing, I hope to bring this performance closer to boxing fans.

Edited by:

Gokul Pillai

Despite Their Back and Forth, Eddie Hearn Picks Tyson Fury to Win Against Oleksandr Usyk

From foe to supporter

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Eddie Hearn has a “lot of respect” for Tyson Fury