Lennox Lewis did it in 1999, and no one has done it since. Tyson Fury can insert himself into the same tier as Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali as he endeavors to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the 21st century. But Oleksandr Usyk stands tall between his aspirations. Can the British champion sail through the biggest challenge of his career on February 17 in Riyadh and claim all the marbles?

‘Gypsy King’ and Usyk are coming into the fight with contrasting fortunes but similar controversies. Fury had a money fight with Francis Ngannou. Meanwhile, Usyk brushed aside Daniel Dubois. While many fans believed the former UFC champion did enough to bag a win against Fury, a low-blow controversy overshadowed Usyk’s triumph. However, the fans have been worried ever since they witnessed the night the Manchester native had against an MMA fighter, who was making his boxing debut.

Tyson Fury: A King in Turmoil?

You’ll continue to wonder whether Tyson Fury just had an awful day in office against Francis Ngannou or whether those were the cracks that exposed his decline. Undoubtedly, the 35-year-old took the fight lightly and didn’t put himself through a grueling training camp. He almost paid dearly with a loss, only to edge past Ngannou with a split-decision win.

The doubt is seeping into the fans. There was no fear factor or motivating factor to push Fury and train hard for the bout. But that doesn’t justify how an MMA fighter dropped the WBC champion on the mat and left him bewildered. In addition, you throw in the recent rumors of Jai Opetai dropping him in the sparring session, and a red alarm would start buzzing in the background.

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Then there are doubts about the Brit’s chin. Deontay Wilder dropped him twice in their final fight. And a similar visual made the rounds on the internet when Ngannou’s punches found his flesh. So is Fury set for failure? Not exactly. You can expect a more motivated and physically daunting Fury to turn up against Usyk. At 35, with a larger frame, size advantage, and flexibility, Fury is still an uphill task for the Ukrainian champion.

Oleksandr Usyk: A formidable force

While Fury is taller with a reach advantage, Usyk is a champion with heart. ‘The Cat’ fights stealthily and believes speed comes on top when it clashes with size. He has quicker movement and hand speed than Fury. Additionally, he might be better skilled and have a more illustrious career, with Olympic gold among his laurels.

While the only thing against the 37-year-old is size, he knows how to adapt. Anthony Joshua knows it better, as Usyk handed him consecutive losses with a different game plan in each fight. Usyk negated the 6’6 Joshua and exhibited that the size difference doesn’t hold him back.

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Compared to Fury, the 21-0 record-holder is also better placed with boxing IQ. What he lacks in heavyweight power, he makes up for with speed. It all boils down to Fury being aggressive and utilizing his size advantage. But can he really impose his size and will on Usyk?

Can ‘Gypsy King’ tame the Ukrainian storm?

Fury can beat Usyk and even knock him out after relying on bodywork and overwhelming power compared to Usyk. He will also keep Usyk at bay with his staple jabs and continue to inflict punishment on him. But can he replicate it in the ring? That might not happen this time.

Usyk poses the unique challenge of a slick southpaw. He adapts well, and the size difference doesn’t bother him. If he takes Fury’s jab out of the play, the undisputed crown is his to take. When you take into consideration Fury’s outing against Ngannou, Usyk becomes a clear favorite. But every time someone has dropped Fury, the ‘Gypsy King’ has gotten up and put on a fight. His recovery ability is mind-boggling, and don’t count him out unless the final bell separates the two.

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What do you make of this upcoming bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk? Who do you believe will emerge as the undisputed king? Let us know in the comments below.