OLEKSANDR USYK’S weight was announced incorrectly ahead of his mega fight with Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia.
And fans have been changing their predictions after realising the error.
Undefeated heavyweights Usyk, 37, and Fury, 35, finally lock horns tonight at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
And many boxing fans are now expecting the Gypsy King’s undefeated run to come to an end after finding out his Ukrainian rival is actually MUCH LIGHTER than initially announced during Friday’s weigh-in.
Usyk took to the scales last night and officials were heard saying that he was at 233lbs (16.6 stone).
However, the announcers later went on to say that the Ukrainian actually weighed 223lbs (15.9 stone).
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Upon hearing the initial weight, many boxing fans fancied Fury to prevail against his heavy opponent.
But the correction has led some to change their minds as they expect Usyk, at a lighter weight, will have more speed than the British legend.
One fan tweeted: “Changes my opinion MASSIVELY lol, I saw he was that heavy and thought it was Fury’s to lose.”
Another commented: “Yesssss, it’s so over for Fury.”
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A third predicted: “Usyk is gonna have all the speed in the world.”
This fan said: “If that’s the case then I’m confident that Usyk will school Fury.”
And that one posted: “This increases Usyk’s chances of winning. At 233, he would have been a lot slower and therefore less power!”
The weigh-in made headlines for all sorts of different reasons as Fury and Usyk got into a heated shoving match with the former pushing his opponent and launching an X-rated tirade towards him.
The pair are now counting down the hours to tonight’s huge showdown.
Ringwalks are expected at 11pm UK time.
Colin Hart on Fury vs Usyk
This Little and Large affair is likely to be messy and more mundane than memorable with lots of clinches and Usyk using mind over matter as his most potent weapon.
Logically there is no way the Gypsy King should lose — that old adage about a good big-un always beating a good little-un was coined for good reason.
If it was the Fury of three years ago when he KO’d Deontay Wilder in the last of their unforgettable trilogy then I believe Usyk — despite his masterful skills and boxing brain — would be facing a painful defeat.
But there was evidence seven months ago when Fury was lucky to get a debateable points win after crude MMA novice Francis Ngannou had floored him, that his powers may be in decline.
The young Fury would never have been caught by Ngannou’s left hook that sent him to the canvas.
It will be no surprise if Fury uses his height and weight advantage to physically wear Usyk out.
But my gut feeling is Usyk is clever enough to keep out the way of Fury’s big punches and earn a close but decisive points victory.
Talking to boxing people and fans this week I have the impression Fury is losing popularity — not helped by his father John’s headbutting antics — and not too many tears will be shed if he should lose.
Read the full Colin Hart column here
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
