OLEKSANDR USYK’s weight was incorrectly announced ahead of his mega fight with Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia.
And fans have been changing their predictions after realizing the mistake.
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Undefeated heavyweights Usyk, 37, and Fury, 35, finally face off tonight at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
And many boxing fans are now hoping the Gypsy King’s unbeaten run comes to an end after discovering that his Ukrainian rival is actually MUCH LIGHTER than initially announced during Friday’s weigh-in.
Usyk stepped on the scales last night and authorities were heard saying he weighed 233 pounds (16.6 stone).
However, the announcers later said the Ukrainian actually weighed 223 pounds (15.9 stone).
Upon hearing the starting weight, many boxing fans figured Fury would beat his heavyweight opponent.
But the correction has caused some to change their minds as they expect Usyk, at a lighter weight, to have more speed than the British legend.
One fan tweeted: “MASSIVELY changes my opinion haha, I saw he was so heavy and thought it was Fury losing.”
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Another commented: “Yesssss, it’s over for Fury.”
A third predicted: “Usyk will have all the speed in the world.”
This fan said: “If that’s the case, I’m confident Usyk will educate Fury.”
And that one posted: “This increases Usyk’s chances of winning. At 233, he would have been much slower and therefore underpowered!”
The weigh-in made headlines for a number of different reasons as Fury and Usyk got into a heated dispute with the former pushing his opponent and launching into a pornographic tirade at him.
The pair are now counting down the hours to tonight’s big showdown.
Ringwalks are expected at 11pm UK time.
Colin Hart in Fury vs Usyk
This Small and Big affair will likely be confusing and more mundane than memorable, with lots of clinches and Usyk using mind over matter as his most potent weapon.
Logically, there’s no way the Gypsy King could lose – that old saying about a good big always beating a good small was coined for good reason.
If it was the Fury of three years ago, when he knocked out Deontay Wilder in the last of his unforgettable trilogy, then I believe Usyk – despite his masterful skills and boxing brain – would be facing a heartbreaking defeat.
But there was evidence seven months ago, when Fury was lucky to score a debatable points victory after MMA newcomer Francis Ngannou knocked him down, that his powers may be in decline.
Young Fury would never have been caught by Ngannou’s left hook that sent him to the canvas.
It will be no surprise if Fury uses his height and weight advantage to wear down Usyk physically.
But my gut feeling is that Usyk is smart enough to avoid Fury’s big punches and get a tight but decisive points victory.
Talking to people and boxing fans this week, I get the impression that Fury is losing popularity – not helped by his father John’s headbutting antics – and not many tears will be shed if he loses.
Read Colin Hart’s full column here
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
