13 February 2023 , 14:01
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Tyson Fury confronted George Groves after the British former fighter tipped Oleksandr Usyk to beat him.
The 'Gypsy King' has not had a fight confirmed yet this year but is holding talks with heavyweight rival Usyk over a potential undisputed world title clash in April this year. Fury is likely to go into any contest as the marginal favourite to defeat the Ukrainian despite his potential opponent's two recent wins over Anthony Joshua.
Fury has expressed his supreme confidence of having his arm raised when the pair do battle, given his huge size difference over the Ukrainian and his recent record at heavyweight. However, British boxing royalty Groves insisted that the underdog has the capability to pull off a sensational performance and hand Fury his first defeat.
He previously told Boxing UK : "You’ve asked me the question that I have the unpopular opinion on. I’m such an Usyk fan. I don’t know if he is big enough to challenge Fury, if Fury’s really on it and up for it. But, when it comes to ability, Usyk’s the best heavyweight in the world by a country mile, in my opinion. I don’t know. I’ll just go Usyk 'cos I’m an Usyk fan boy.”
Groves has since confirmed in a fresh update to Pro Boxing Fans that he was asked about his prediction by the 'Gypsy King' and put on the spot to explain it. He said: "I saw Tyson the other day and he said, ‘why are you picking Usyk and not picking me?’. I said, ‘someone’s got to go with the other guy, Tyson’.
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"Why not, eh? Keep it entertaining. Keep it interesting. It might be Usyk’s toughest fight to date, but what a fighter. And Tyson Fury, what a fighter.” Groves appears to be in the minority on domestic shores in the belief that Usyk is going to be the man victorious if the pair do meet.
Tyson Fury could meet Oleksandr Usyk this year (Getty Images)Who wins if the pair meet - Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk? Let us know your prediction in the comments section below.
It is understood that negotiations have recently hit a snag, with Saudi Arabia now unlikely to stage the event, given both fighters are yet to agree a deal. However, it could land in the United Kingdom at Wembley Stadium, which would understandably hand Fury a significant advantage if a new agreement can be reached.
The pair came face to face in London at Fury's win over Derek Chisora last December, but Usyk believes he managed to get in his rival's head when confronted by the Briton. “I think I was able to get into his head a little bit," Usyk told The Guardian of Fury. "I have been watching Tyson Fury get into the heads of his opponents for many years and then I got into his head.
"When there are no cameras, he is completely different. He plays the bad guy for the cameras. I think he likes movies about love and when he watches them he cries. That’s not a bad thing. When I watch some sentimental movies, I can shed a tear too."