Former world champion and Sky Sports pundit Johnny Nelson says Tyson Fury remains the clear No.2 heavyweight in the world, but he believes Fury is still coming to terms with his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. Nelson praises Fury’s credentials, character and experience, but warns age and lost mobility have diminished one key asset: his legs.
Nelson argues Fury still has everything else — ring IQ, personality and pedigree — so he must be careful about who he faces next. “He’s got to be smart enough in regards to who he picks to fight and the fights he has,” Nelson said, noting that being dethroned is a hard reality for any former champion who truly thought he was the best.
Comparing Fury’s recovery to Deontay Wilder’s post-loss struggles, Nelson suggests Fury is still processing the Usyk defeat and searching for himself. He believes Fury keeps revisiting Usyk’s performances, perhaps trying to convince himself a rematch would go differently.
Looking ahead, Nelson recommends a route that includes Arslanbek Makhmudov as a tune-up and then a potential showdown with British champion Fabio Wardley. He expects promoter Frank Warren would give Fury the bout he wants, and if Wardley remains champion, Nelson calls that a good fight.
Also note: Terri Harper meets Caroline Dubois for the WBC and WBO world lightweight titles live on Sky Sports on Sunday, April 5.