Tyson Fury offers insight into strategy and why he is looking to reclaim his title

Tyson Fury, speaking to reporters after the fight, offered a brief glimpse into his game plan as he prepares to reclaim the heavyweight title he previously held when he faces Oleksandr Usyk on December 21.

Many ex-pros and pundits have suggested that Fury is likely to adopt a more direct, aggressive approach in the rematch, using his superior size and height to smother his Ukrainian opponent. However, after the first press conference in London, Fury downplayed the idea of any drastic changes to his strategy. “I’m just going to do the same as last time, a little bit more focused and a little bit more concentration, that’s it,” the Gypsy King stated, offering a glimpse of his mindset for the upcoming bout.

Fury lost his titles to Usyk in May by split decision and is clearly eager to avoid a repeat of that outcome. Despite insisting that his game plan will remain the same, Fury reflected on the previous loss, acknowledging the need for a more decisive approach. “I just feel like if I knock him out, then I can guarantee victory within these hands,” he said, emphasizing the importance of taking the fight out of the judges’ hands after losing on points last time. 

“But if I don’t knock him out, then I’m gonna rely on someone else’s opinion to do it for me.” 

At 36, Fury has the opportunity to become a three-time heavyweight champion, a milestone that few boxers ever reach. Yet, he appeared nonchalant about the prospect, saying that becoming a three-time world champion would “not (bother me), to be fair, no more than being a two-time champion or a 10-time champion. I’m just there to do a fight, regardless of the accolades and things that come with it.”

While the accolades don’t seem to motivate Fury, the chance to fight on a global stage in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, certainly adds significance to the event. Fury paid tribute to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season, praising the efforts behind the fight’s organization. “Turki took over the boxing game completely. He’s united all the promoters, all the TV stations under one banner.” He went on to state that Riyadh Season kept him fighting: “I’d have been retired a year ago, way before the Ngannou fight, but it was through Turki that I’m still alive today in boxing and still fighting.”

Fury, who has seven children, gave reporters an insight into his motivation for fighting when asked what he thinks about in the buildup to heavyweight clashes: “I’m just thinking of going home, really. By the time I get to a fight, and I’ve been away in camp for weeks and months on end, I’m just thinking of walking my dog and taking the kids to school. I’m not really thinking about anything else.”

With Fury approaching the twilight of his career, the former two-time heavyweight champion reflected on his illustrious journey with humility. “Twenty years in the game. It’s always just been, do a job, get paid, go home. No matter how big a stage or how small a stage, it was always the same thing. Go do your job. Get paid.”

The fight, taking place in Riyadh, will be broadcast across multiple platforms for UK viewers, including DAZN, Sky Sports, and TNT Sports. For Fury, it’s another chapter in a storied career as he prepares to face Usyk once again in what promises to be an explosive rematch.

Watch the full interview here.