John Fury, known for his outspoken and sometimes abrasive nature, was widely criticized by fans and boxing experts alike for what many described as a "shambolic" corner during that fight. His actions drew sharp reactions from several big names in the boxing world, including former champion Ricky Hatton. Hatton and other analysts suggested that Tyson Fury should consider removing his father from the corner, particularly after the chaotic moments during the fight.
Tyson Fury, who has been undefeated for most of his career, was handed his first-ever loss by Usyk, who secured a split-decision victory in their fight to unify the heavyweight division. Despite the defeat, Fury, known as "The Gypsy King," is determined to make a comeback and reclaim his unbeaten record. With the rematch looming, Fury is hoping to avenge the loss and take back control of the heavyweight landscape.
During their first encounter, Usyk made a statement by dropping Fury in the ninth round before securing the split-decision win. The Ukrainian boxer’s victory not only handed Fury his first loss but also solidified Usyk’s status as one of the best heavyweights in the world, as he became the first man to unify all four heavyweight world titles in the modern era.
John Fury’s presence in the corner during the first fight raised many eyebrows, especially due to his loud and confrontational approach. Known for his passionate and sometimes controversial outbursts, John Fury was involved in a highly publicized incident during the lead-up to the fight. On the first day of the fight week, he became embroiled in a heated argument with a member of Usyk’s team and, in a dramatic turn of events, headbutted the young man. This incident only added fuel to the fire of the debate about whether John Fury should continue in his son’s corner.
When asked in a recent interview about whether his father would be in his corner for the rematch, Tyson Fury, 36, responded with uncertainty. “I don’t know,” he said. “I don’t get involved in all that stuff. I just go to the gym, train, fight, get paid, and go home. That’s always been my approach. All this talk about corners and other people’s opinions doesn’t concern me. I’m focused on what I need to do in the ring.”
Fury’s nonchalant attitude towards the situation reflects his tendency to keep a low profile on issues outside the ring. However, the question of who will be in his corner has become a hot topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike. Many have called for Fury to make adjustments in his team, especially in how his corner is managed during the fight. In the first bout, John Fury joined trainer Andy Lee and Sugar Hill Steward in the corner. However, the broadcast revealed a sense of confusion, with John Fury shouting over Steward, and the two offering conflicting instructions during crucial moments of the fight.
In response to these criticisms, Fury addressed the concerns in a face-off with Usyk on TNT Sports in November. He acknowledged that people are entitled to their opinions but also emphasized that they were not the ones stepping into the ring and facing the challenges he encounters during a fight. "People can have their opinions," Fury said. "But they’re not in there doing the fighting. It’s my job to get in that ring and perform, and that’s what I’m focused on."
Lee, who has been in Fury's corner for multiple fights, also commented on the issue. He admitted that he was unsure if John Fury would be involved again. "Who knows what will happen? I don’t," Lee said. "Last time, the corner was hectic, especially towards the end of the fight. There were three different voices—SugarHill, John, and me. From a father’s perspective, I understand that John Fury was trying to protect his son, but Sugar Hill was focused on guiding Tyson to victory. At one point, I was told Tyson was two rounds down and had to communicate that to him.”
Former world champion Anthony Crolla also weighed in on the matter, acknowledging the chaotic nature of Fury’s corner in the first fight but suggesting that John Fury could still play a role in the rematch. “There’s no denying that the corner was a bit of a shambles last time,” Crolla said in an interview with Razed. “You had a lot of great boxing brains in there, but it was clear there were too many voices. It might be different this time. With Sugar Hill Steward as the head coach, Andy Lee bringing his experience, and John Fury’s knowledge of his son, there could be a clearer dynamic. When Tyson sits down in the corner this time, there needs to be one clear voice giving instructions.”
Despite the criticism, Crolla emphasized that having John Fury in the corner could still be valuable, provided there is more clarity in communication. He believes that having one clear voice leading the corner could be crucial in ensuring Fury’s success in the rematch. "It’s all about clarity when Tyson sits down. That’s the most important thing. One voice, giving one clear direction."
Meanwhile, Eddie Hearn, a prominent figure in the boxing world who has worked with a number of world-class boxers, including Usyk, expressed his views on the rematch. Hearn stated that it would be difficult to bet against Usyk in the upcoming fight. He told talkSPORT that he believed the rematch would be a "thriller," but added that Usyk's skill set made him a formidable opponent. "It’s very difficult to bet against Usyk," Hearn said. "He’s a brilliant fighter, and I hope Tyson can do something special, but Usyk has proven himself time and time again."
Former two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi echoed Hearn’s sentiments, predicting that Usyk would repeat his victory over Fury. Malignaggi pointed to Usyk’s superior technique and his ability to adapt in the ring as key factors in his victory over Fury in the first bout. "Usyk has shown that he can beat Fury," Malignaggi said. "He’s a brilliant tactician, and I think he’ll do the same again."
As the rematch draws near, much attention is being placed on the dynamics within Fury's corner, as well as how the fight will unfold. With the eyes of the boxing world focused on Saudi Arabia, fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be another thrilling encounter between two of the best heavyweights in the world.