You can see him trying to execute the footwork but he was a good half a second maybe 1 second too slow last night, he couldn't get out of range once in and was going back in straight lines very dangerously. I don't think it's ring rust because Usyk fight especially from mid fight onwards he was faltering in the same way he couldn't quite get away from Usyk quick enough. Half a step. To lose that edge in foot speed is a big loss for Fury. Still super competent in close though on the inside. If he had KO power he could have body smashed him like Kabayel. Uppercut has become a big weapon for Fury now. It's interesting seeing his style change to adapt to his faltering body. His right hand has changed a lot. Ditched that log jab to prevent hyperextension. Back to flicking it but he can still pull that off which is good and classic from Fury, Larry Holmes style. Not sure if Fury purposefully backed off the jab last night on purpose but it always has been and would be the weapon to pick AJ apart.
Thoughts on Fury fighting for extended periods in southpaw? He’s switch-hit many times before in his career I know but he seemed happier than usual to fight for longer spells against Makh in southpaw than usual, doubling and even tripling up the southpaw jab. Makes me wonder if it’s preparation for AJ
hmmm decent opponent can shut it down with a defensive pivot or simply firing back, which makmudov did once and landed dangerously because fury was hoping Makmudov would step back but he didn't. AJ isn't going to do a defence pivot...but I don't expect him to move backwards either especially if he's getting outpointed. Either way I expect AJ to fight Wilder not Fury. Mid range is where Mudov is dangerous like AJ although he's very slow whilst AJ isn't slow...but he does tire late and early...and is mentally poor. AJ with a little form is still a dangerous opponent. It's so hard to judge how far AJ has slipped, where Fury is very clear where he is on his downwards trajectory. I'd expect Fury to be all jab against AJ and pull off a Wlad style performance with AJ wetting the bed accepting a loss on the end of a jab because everytime he comes forward he runs into something. Usyk also knew to beat Fury he had to stay on him all night, regardless. AJ isn't able to do that, he will tire and fall over. you think Usyk as trainer isn't going to force AJ forwards to his demise?
This. Fury’s legs are gone and when pressured now , he loses his base - raises up and retreats in a straight line.
He's only got two fights left, probably both against AJ, so it's not a big deal. We aren't going to be seeing him against Wardley, or anything.