Former boxing world champion Johnny Nelson has defended John Fury against criticism over his son Tyson’s defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, insisting the father’s presence in the corner was not to blame for the loss.
The defence comes as Tyson Fury prepares for his December 21 rematch with Usyk, who handed him his first professional defeat in May via split decision.
John Fury faced significant backlash for his corner advice during the heavyweight clash in Riyadh, which saw Usyk become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
Writing in Nelson’s Sky Sports column, the former cruiserweight champion recalled his personal experience with the Fury family dynamic.
Tyson Fury’s dad stole the limelight during the last time he faced Oleksandr Usyk
PA
“I remember sparring with Tyson at the back end of my career and his dad was ringside, shouting and screaming at him,” Nelson wrote.
He described how Tyson had stopped mid-ring and challenged his father, saying: “You get in the ring and spar with him.”
Despite their arguing, Nelson emphasised this was normal for the pair, stating: “Tyson’s used to that.”
The incident serves as evidence that John Fury’s vocal presence during fights has long been part of Tyson’s boxing experience.
According to Nelson, the real issue wasn’t corner advice but rather Fury’s approach to his opponent.
JUST IN:David Coote sacked ‘with immediate effect’ following PGMOL investigation
“He just underestimated the man that was in front of him and now he’s got to give him respect where respect’s due,” Nelson explained.
The former champion highlighted how Usyk proved immune to Fury’s usual psychological warfare.
“Usually he intimidates his opponent. He’ll insult them, he’ll undermine them, he’ll get in their face. He’ll be a bully or he’ll try and pal up with them,” Nelson wrote.
READ MORE:Baseball star set to make more than Cristiano Ronaldo and Patrick Mahomes after stunning contract
John Fury has courted a controversial figure at times
PA
“Usyk was having none of it and that’s where Tyson struggled. It was lost in translation.”
Looking ahead to the rematch, Nelson offered specific technical advice for Fury.
“Fury has to be disciplined. He has to go out there no nonsense, use the jab, use the switch-hitting style that he’s got,” Nelson advised.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
John Fury has been alongside Tyson Fury throughout his career
PA
Despite calls for changes to his team, Fury has confirmed he will maintain his current setup, including his father.
“Not much time,” Fury said. “I know what I’ve got to do, nothing drastic.
“People can say ‘I want to change trainers or I’ll blame it on me conditioning coach or I’ll blame it on the cook or I’ll blame it on the mouse next door.’ Same team, same everything.”
Fury maintains he won the first encounter, conceding only rounds eight, nine and ten to Usyk.
Post comments (0)