The Fury vs. Usyk betting odds have changed multiple times after all the twists and turns in this saga, but they’ve always been close. Most boxing betting sites struggle to pick a favorite, and it’s easy to see why.
The clash between the two most talented heavyweights of this generation seems unpredictable. And yet, I’m sure many boxing fans will give it a go, so I’m here to analyze the bout and share my Fury vs. Usyk prediction and betting pick. Let’s start with the odds!
Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk Betting Odds Update and Preview
The following Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk odds are courtesy of Bovada:
| FIGHTER | MONEYLINE | TOTAL ROUNDS – OVER/UNDER |
|---|---|---|
| Tyson Fury | -125 | Over 10.5 (-350) |
| Oleksandr Usyk | +100 | Under 10.5 (+270) |
The current betting market suggests Fury is a narrow favorite, with a 55.56% chance of victory at many popular sports betting sites. The heavily juiced over 10.5 rounds bet indicates that the experience and stamina of both fighters should see this bout turn out to be a lengthy one.
Tale of the Tape & Boxing Styles
Let’s take a closer look at how these two heavyweight behemoths stack up against each other when they square off in the ring.
| TYSON FURY | FIGHTERS | OLEKSANDR USYK |
|---|---|---|
| The Gypsy King | Nickname | The Cat |
| 35 | Age | 36 |
| 33-0-1, 24 KO’s | Record | 21-0, 14 KO’s |
| 6’9” | Height | 6’3” |
| 268 lbs. | Weight | 222 lbs. |
| Orthodox | Stance | Southpaw |
| 85” | Reach | 78” |
| 220 | Total Rounds | 177 |
Usyk has very rarely been the smaller fighter in his bouts, but that changed dramatically when he moved to the heavyweight division. He will certainly be giving up size and reach when he squares off against Tyson Fury in May.
That said, Oleksandr Usyk is a crafty southpaw, and his style could cause problems for Tyson Fury. He gave up three inches and nearly 20 pounds vs. Anthony Joshua but was the quicker and savvier fighter in virtually all exchanges. Expect this to be the blueprint once again for Usyk to find success vs. Fury.
Usyk boasts elite-level hand speed and his approaches from different angles will be hard for the bigger Fury to get a read on. While the Gipsy King will try and utilize the jab to keep Usyk to the outside, the Ukrainian boxer is an excellent defender, and a master of striking when the opportunity calls for it.
It will be one of the most tactical fights in recent years, with both fighters more than capable of imposing their style on the opponent. And yet, the smaller and nimbler Usyk definitely has the feet movement and technique to outbox Fury.
Most importantly, his body composition should allow him to avoid Fury’s notorious tactics to exhaust his opponents by leaning on them with his entire bodyweight. Usyk should be able to dodge that, which will be a big factor in the fight.
Intangibles
Tyson Fury has proven many times he can be the best in the world, and one of the best fighters to ever do it. The issue with his commitment recently bothers me, though, both in training camp, and on the day of the bout.
In his last battle vs. Francis Ngannou, Fury clearly wasn’t in the best of shape and didn’t prepare nearly as thoroughly as he could have. He was surprised with a knockdown against the powerful MMA fighter, and that same attitude this time around won’t get him very far vs. a fighter with a renowned killer instinct, such as Oleksandr Usyk.
Fury also has many ongoings outside of the ring. From appearing in WWE, to his family’s Netflix show, it would not be shocking to see Fury a tad distracted for a test of this magnitude. The talented British fighter likes to make predictions and talk boastfully in the lead-up, though that should only fuel a hungry and driven Usyk.
And for Oleksandr Usyk, there’s no doubting he’ll be prepared for Fury, though the grandest stage of them all is tough to ignore. This will be a massive bout, with all kinds of spotlight and attention on the match.
The media alone and the build-up and hype Fury usually creates for his fights should be special. Usyk has yet to have a match that garners this type of attention, and it remains to be seen how the Ukrainian will react to such pronounced fanfare.
Fury vs. Usyk Prediction and Betting Pick
Francis Ngannou parlayed a knockdown and an impressive showing against Tyson Fury, who looked a few steps behind his best days. If the British boxer brings that level of form and desire to the ring against Oleksandr Usyk on May 18th – he’s in trouble.
The Ukrainian champion is new to this stage, but do not confuse that with him being unprepared. Usyk will have a well-laid out gameplan, as there are few fighters at heavyweight who can move with the pace he does. Usyk boasts quick hands, and feet – and that should lead to his stamina wearing down Fury over a lengthy bout.
Usyk has defeated larger boxers before, and if he can stay out of range of Fury’s jab and heavy right-hand, Usyk can rack up consistent points on the scorecards with a regular punch and move technique. Expect a competitive tilt, but one where the Ukrainian prevails via decision.
