Tyson Fury told to make huge change for Oleksandr Usyk rematch

Tyson Fury's former trainer has given his no-nonsense verdict on Oleksandr Usyk's split-decision win to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.

'The Gypsy King' suffered the first defeat of his professional career on May 18, when judges Manuel Oliver Palermo, Craig Metcalfe and Mike Fitzgerald scored the fight 115-112, 113-114 and 114-113 in favour of Ukraine's No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.

Fury was convinced he'd won the bout. In fact, he appeared to accuse the judges of siding with former cruiserweight champion Usyk because the country of Ukraine is “at war”.

But many agreed it was the right call. Now, Tyson's uncle Peter Fury has given his in-depth assessment of the fight during an interview with YouTube channel October Red.

Peter, who is credited with kickstarting Tyson's career, gave his initial thoughts on the match-up in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

"I thought it was a good fight, he done the best he can do, and that’s all you can ask for," he said.

"He [Usyk] is an exceptional world champion. I’ve always said this guy is a great fighter, he’s the best Tyson has been up against, that’s for sure. But it was a close fight, ebbing and flowing.

"Sometimes, where do you get humbleness from, a loss... and what is a loss? They’re both ok, they both got handsomely paid for it, get back in there and avenge your loss.”

Fury was then asked whether his nephew was given the best game plan.

Footage from Tyson's corner at the end of round 10 became a huge talking point following his split-decision defeat, with many accusing his corner of giving out too many instructions.

“He was a big man and he never used his tools," Peter said.

"I thought there was a lot wrong with it, but that’s my opinion. I think they got the tactics wrong and the game plan all wrong and that’s what I think of it, but still it was a good fight to watch.

“I can see what people are saying but did Tyson have it in his tank to come out and give an avalanche of shots, or was he so tired he was getting through it?”

On the subject of his corner, Fury added: “There should only be one man in the corner, there shouldn’t be three or four. Some are too emotional in the corner and some are giving the wrong advice. I think the only one that spoke a little bit of sense in the last dying stretch of it was Sugar Hill, who said put it on him.

“When you go into fights, it doesn’t matter who it is, it could be a family member, but you’ve got to give precise clear information, and the thing I always say to the fighter is ‘are you listening, do you understand what I’ve just told you to do?’

“There were too many people, but maybe Tyson wants that I don’t know, it’s been years since dealings with me. I don’t know what the situation is but clearly for me the game plan was wrong and only one should be speaking. How can you listen to all that? It’s going a bit panicky and it’s all over the place."

LISTEN IN to Tyson Fury's corner for final rounds against Usyk! 👂 pic.twitter.com/MtGl6Qvdv1

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) May 20, 2024

Fury continued: “I’ve always said I can’t be bought in boxing. If someone is talking in the corner, I’d say shut your f**king mouth now or get out the back. It’s happened before.

“I’m not having anything go on in that corner. You’re the bucket man, you wash the gumshield out, you wipe his head down, do not speak. That’s their instruction, and if they speak, when they get back to the dressing room, sacked on the spot. You’ve got to have a professional corner.”