AMIR KHAN says Tyson Fury has already been forced to concede a big advantage to Oleksandr Usyk in their undisputed super-fight.
Fury, 35, and Usyk, 36, were set to contest for all four world title belts, making heavyweight history, on February 17 in Saudi Arabia.
But the Gypsy King was forced out of the historic unification after suffering a horror cut in sparring just two weeks out.
He required over ten stitches to mend his injury and ensure he will be fit for the rescheduled May 18 date.
But that only gives Fury three months to recover from the cut in time for the fight of his life – leaving even Khan fearful.
He told SunSport in Riyadh: “I just think he’ll just have to body spar, which I think will work against him.
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“So let’s just hope that Tyson is at 100 per cent, it’s not long after that cut they’ve only given him three months.
“In three months, it usually takes a month and a half to kind of heal but it’s still going to be weak, it’s still going to be weak skin.”
Bookies, pundits and experts alike were struggling to split the pair of unbeaten champions.
So Fury heading into the bout potentially nursing an injury could give Usyk an all important leg up.
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Khan, 37, said: “I think Usyk has more of an advantage now.
“Before, he always had an advantage going into this fight but now obviously he’s got more of an advantage now.”
Fury has always performed best with his back against the wall and perhaps never more so has he needed to show that.
But Khan said: “If Tyson shows too much confidence he might get caught with that shot.
“You’ve got to understand, Usyk is a precise puncher, he knows when to throw his shots, his timing is perfect.
“He’s an Olympic gold medalist, he’s a f***ing amazing fighter. You have to give him that respect.
“Tyson should stay away and box him and not get hit on that eye because like I say, I don’t know if three months is long enough. It was a big gash.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk