Tyson Fury’s Dramatic Transformation Raises Eyebrows Ahead of Usyk Showdown
As the anniversary of Tyson Fury’s first clash with Oleksandr Usyk approaches, fresh attention is being drawn to Fury’s remarkable physical transformation prior to the undisputed heavyweight title bout. Nearly a year ago, Fury entered the ring in Saudi Arabia as the World Boxing Council (WBC) champion to face Usyk—the former cruiserweight king holding the remaining belts—and surprised the entire boxing community with his unexpectedly leaner frame.
In the weeks leading up to this historic contest, which would crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999, Fury became a topic of conversation not just for his usual bravado, but also for his notably slimmer appearance. Traditionally one of boxing’s largest heavyweights, Fury’s shift in physique was a clear departure from his usual build, catching Usyk and many others off guard.
The Ukrainian challenger admitted to being taken aback by Fury’s new look. When asked by media outlet DAZN if Fury appeared different in the pre-fight build-up, Usyk responded candidly, “Yeah, a little bit, a little bit, like, skinny.” His promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, added with a wry smile, “Looks skinny. Who’s the middleweight now? That’s because he’s nervous. When you get nervous, you lose weight.” Fury, never one to miss an opportunity for a jest, shot back with his trademark humour: “I’m very nervous, Usyk. Please don’t beat me up on Saturday night. Please. Extra, please.”
When the pair eventually faced off on the scales, Fury weighed in at 262 pounds (18.7 stone), which still placed him nearly 40 pounds heavier than Usyk. Yet, this was more than a stone lighter than his previous outing against Francis Ngannou, marking a concerted effort toward conditioning. Fury, known for his candidness about his training routines, described how he would consume around 6,000 calories per day during training, while halving that number on rest days.
However, according to his trainer, SugarHill Steward, Fury was not deliberately trying to shed weight in order to make a statement. “He hasn’t dropped a bunch of weight just to get down low,” Steward told reporters. “It’s just weight where he can be stronger and more mobile and agile and everything else. It takes some work to get there and he’s at the point in his life where he wanted to get there.”
Despite being in what some called the best shape of his career, Fury narrowly missed out on victory, falling to Usyk by split decision in what turned out to be a highly competitive affair. The fight’s outcome was hotly debated, cementing its place in boxing folklore and paving the way for a December rematch.
In stark contrast to his trim frame for the first encounter, Fury entered the ring for their second encounter at a career-heaviest 20 stone 1 pound, suggesting a completely different preparation strategy had been adopted for the rematch. The second bout, however, saw Usyk secure a unanimous decision from all three judges and left Fury, once again, without the titles.
Following the loss, Fury announced his retirement from boxing on social media—a move that has become something of a trademark for the ‘Gypsy King’. Yet, with speculation always swirling about possible returns and a possible blockbuster with long-time rival Anthony Joshua, many are hesitant to believe this marks the end of his in-ring story.
Meanwhile, Usyk is preparing for another high-profile contest: a rematch against Britain’s Daniel Dubois, scheduled for July at Wembley Stadium, reiterating his standing as one of boxing’s dominant forces at present.
In a development sure to delight fight fans, Fury has recently reignited chatter about a trilogy bout with Usyk, responding online to suggestions of a third showdown. “Beat the fella two times, the world knows the truth,” Fury wrote, referencing their battles. “Any time, any place. Sucker, UK next time 100k people.”
With both fighters’ futures still the subject of intense discussion, the legacy of their rivalry continues to captivate the boxing public. While Usyk faces Dubois, all eyes remain on whether Fury will once again lace up his gloves for another chapter in heavyweight history.