Lennox Lewis breaks down on what he’d do if he was Tyson Fury in the Usyk rematch and much more in a complete breakdown of the rematch below.
Former heavyweight champion Lewis knows heavyweight boxing as good as anyone in history ahead of the big fight this weekend.
Speaking to Mail Boxing YouTube Lewis said:
“Do you think you would beat everyone in the heavyweight division?
Absolutely, absolutely. There are certain things I can do that other boxers simply can’t.
Charlotte from M-Sport Boxing here with MYX Le. How are you?
I’m good, good. Glad to be here.
Let’s jump right into it. In their first fight, Tyson Fury and Alexander Usyk were pushed to their absolute limits physically and mentally. How much do you think those “deep waters” will weigh on them this time, knowing they’ll have to go even further?
Yeah, I’ve been thinking about this fight and how I would approach it. I’d be training even harder, knowing I’m up against a guy who’s elusive, moves around the ring well, and throws sharp punches.It really comes down to who seizes the moment at the right time—who breaks down their opponent and uses the jab effectively. I’ll be listening closely to both corners to see what kind of advice they’re giving their fighters.
This is a critical fight for both of them. Alexander Usyk has already proven himself, so he’s one step ahead. Tyson Fury knows he’s one step behind, and he’ll need to step up his game. He’ll have to throw a lot more punches and win at least eight out of the 12 rounds to secure a victory.
If you were getting into the ring with Alexander Usyk on Saturday night, how would you beat him?
I’d go right after him. I’d use my strength and make sure he realizes I’m stronger. He’d likely start moving around to avoid me, so I’d focus on cutting off the ring, putting my weight on him, and using my jab, left hook, and right hand. I’d be a true pugilist specialist, combining all my strengths—my jab, hook, and uppercut—into a winning strategy.
You mentioned the uppercut, which was one of your greatest tools. Tyson Fury found success using it against Usyk in their first fight. How important do you think the uppercut will be in the rematch?
The uppercut had a big impact in their first fight, so Fury will likely throw it more often this time. I’d recommend using combinations that end with the uppercut. For instance, a left-right hook combination could set it up perfectly, especially since Usyk tends to duck.
A lot was made of Tyson Fury’s nose injury in the first fight. How much do you think that affected him in terms of breathing, stamina, and even dealing with blood in his throat?
It definitely affected him. You could see it in the ninth round—he kept touching his nose and wasn’t doing much offensively. Even after the round ended, he still seemed preoccupied with it. It had a significant impact on his performance in that round.
Usyk came very close to finishing the fight in the ninth round, but Fury’s ability to recover is remarkable, as we’ve seen in his fights with Deontay Wilder. Do you think it’s demoralizing for Usyk that he couldn’t finish Fury when he had the chance?
I think so. Fury even taunted Usyk, saying something like, “You had me hurt, but you couldn’t finish me, you tosser.” That kind of talk can stick with a fighter. Usyk will probably be thinking, “Next time, I know I can hurt him, and I’ll make sure to take him out.”
Fury is expected to come in heavier for the rematch. Do you think that will give him an advantage? How should Usyk counteract it?
Fury’s added weight might give him an advantage if he uses it to lean on Usyk and tire him out. But Usyk knows this and won’t let Fury get too close. He’ll rely on his lateral movement and agility to stay out of Fury’s reach, picking his moments to attack before slipping away again.
Is there a downside to Fury coming in heavier, considering Usyk’s exceptional movement and agility?
There could be. If Fury can’t clinch or lean on Usyk, the extra weight might tire him out in the later rounds. However, moving forward is less tiring than constantly retreating, so Fury might be able to keep the pressure on Usyk, forcing him to use more energy as he moves around the ring.
What’s your prediction for the fight? How do you think it will unfold?
I can’t go against an undisputed champion like Usyk—he hasn’t lost yet. But they’re evenly matched in skills. I usually favor the bigger guy, so if Fury boxes smart and makes the right decisions, he should win.
Where do you think Usyk’s legacy ranks compared to yours?
It’s definitely close. We’re both in the same conversation when it comes to great heavyweights.
If you were to return to the ring in your prime, do you think you’d beat everyone in the heavyweight division?
Absolutely. There are certain things I can do that other boxers can’t.
What are those things?
That’s a secret! But I always say I’m a pugilist specialist, which means I’ve perfected every aspect of my game—my jab, hook, right hand. I can knock someone out with any of those punches.
You were seen talking with Wladimir Klitschko recently. Has he mentioned returning to the ring?
We talked about it, and he gave me a nod that could mean yes or no.
Who would you like to see him face if he did return?
That’s a tough question. He can’t fight Usyk since they’re in the same camp, so I’m not sure.
We saw you at the Mike Tyson and Jake Paul event, where someone suggested you might get back in the ring. Is there any chance of that happening?
I don’t think so. It’s flattering, but I’m not looking to make a comeback.
Looking ahead to 2025, it seems like we might see a changing of the guard in the heavyweight division, with Fury, Usyk, and Anthony Joshua potentially retiring. What do you think about the future of the division?
It’ll be the dawn of a new era. We’re already seeing emerging talents like Daniel Dubois. The heavyweight division is in good hands—it’s an exciting time for boxing.”
Interesting on the jab, hooks and uppercuts and using the size advantage is what Lewis thinks is key to Fury.
Some have mentioned using body shots too maybe beneficial.
Good analysis on the use of energy too from Lewis, as it pertains to weight being used in the fight and only if done so effectively, which again, comes into game plan and who early doors imposes there game plan correctly from the get go from round one.
