BILLY JOE SAUNDERS has sensationally claimed Tyson Fury didn’t have the best camp for his first dust-up with Oleksandr Usyk.
The Gypsy King came up short in his bid for undisputed heavyweight glory against the Ukrainian in May, suffering a split decision defeat in their Saudi showdown.
4Tyson Fury locked horns with Oleksandr Usyk in MayCredit: GETTY
4The Gypsy King suffered a split decision defeat to the Ukrainian in their Saudi showdownCredit: GETTY
4Billy Joe Saunders reckons Fury can do a number on Usyk second time aroundCredit: INSTAGRAM@SAUNDERSBILLYJOE
Fury, 36, was in peak physical condition in the Riyadh rumble but couldn’t outfox the slick southpaw, who nearly knocked him out in the ninth round.
But long-time pal Saunders has revealed all was not well with the Wythenshawe warrior’s preparations for the legacy-defining fight.
He told talkSPORT: “I’m not making any excuses for him, but I know what went on in camp and what didn’t go on in camp [the first time around].
“I know that even when it came to sparring and other bits and bobs, there was stuff missing out of it that needs to be rectified and put right this time.
“He’s [Fury] asked me to go away to training camp with him. “So, I’m delighted to say I will be going with him.”
Fury and Usyk will renew their rivalry in a second straight desert dust-up on December 21, although all the heavyweight marbles won’t be up for grabs.
And Saunders how no doubt in his mind that Fury can avenge his first professional defeat if he makes a few tweaks to his game plan.
He said: “Tyson Fury, he can beat Usyk three times in one night with one simple game plan.
“My honest opinion is I don’t think there’s anyone out there who can outbox Usyk.
“Tyson has got to get it out of his head that you’re not going to be running at this man or waiting.
“It’s very, very simple how to beat him. You have to use your size. You have to use your physical advantages.
“You have to use every attribute to full effect with this man. “I believe Tyson will win the next fight, and I believe that he will win by knockout as well.”
Fury is hellbent on exacting revenge on Usyk, saying in June: “Hey guys, Tyson Fury here. Back in the gym, as you can see.
“[I’m] counting down the days until I can get my redemption on Usyk.
“December 21 is going to be my time. I’ve done everything in boxing, but I ain’t come back from a loss.
“And I relish it, the chance to redeem myself GET UP.
“December 21 is all me – undisputed heavyweight here I come.”
“It’s very, very simple how to beat him. You have to use your size. You have to use your physical advantages.
“You have to use every attribute to full effect with this man. “I believe Tyson will win the next fight, and I believe that he will win by knockout as well.”
Fury is hellbent on exacting revenge on Usyk, saying in June: “Hey guys, Tyson Fury here. Back in the gym, as you can see.
“[I’m] counting down the days until I can get my redemption on Usyk.
“December 21 is going to be my time. I’ve done everything in boxing, but I ain’t come back from a loss.
“And I relish it, the chance to redeem myself GET UP.
“December 21 is all me – undisputed heavyweight here I come.”
