Eddie Hearn says Tyson Fury “looked quite old” during the media workout this week, noting how he’s aged ahead of his rematch with WBA, WBC and WNO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) on Saturday, December 21st in Riyadh.
Although Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) is only 36, he has looked to some fans like a person in his 50s or early 60s during the buildup to his rematch with Usyk. It’s not just the beard. The punishment both fighters took in their previous fight was severe, but it appears to have taken a lot more out of their Gypsy King, causing the aged look.
Fury’s Physical State
It’s Fury’s face and body. He looked well beyond his chronological age of 36, which could be a problem for him because Usyk hasn’t aged since their fight on May 18th. He wants to knock out Fury to finish him off and prevent the judges from scoring it.
The promoter, Hearn, doesn’t have a dog in this race and can tell it like it is. He says Fury is “not a young man anymore,” which is putting it lightly.
“I know he’s got the beard on and everything, but I thought Tyson looked quite old at the workout if I’m honest,” said Eddie Hearn to BBC 5 Live Sport, noting how Tyson Fury has seemingly aged since his loss to Oleksandr Usyk on May 18th. “He’s not a young man anymore.”
“He’s an old 36,’ said Steve Bunce about Fury.
“He’s not a natural athlete. You’re not going to see him doing his yoga and getting his massages every day, like completely looking after himself,” said Hearn about Fury. “But he’s a natural fighter. That’s the difference. He’s not manufactured, but he’s not an athlete. He doesn’t move like that.”
The Gypsy King’s Lifestyle
Fury’s habit of packing on the pounds between fights may contribute to the physical decline. British great Ricky Hatton used to get heavy between fights, putting on weight and then needing to take it off in training camp. His career may have been dramatically shortened. He retired at 34, which is close to where Fury is at.
“I think his body will break down quicker than someone who has lived a complete life,” said Hearn about the ‘Gypsy King. “Usyk, I think he’s an athlete, and I think he might be able to last a little bit longer. Fury is like an instinct, impulse fighter and that’s what makes him dangerous.
“He doesn’t look like he should be any good, but he’s really good because he’s been fighting since he was a baby,” said Hearn about Fury.
“Tyson Fury looked quite old.”@EddieHearn looks ahead to #UsykFury2 pic.twitter.com/VcWhvXvhid
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) December 20, 2024
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