THERE’S nothing quite like the adrenalin rush that courses through the veins seconds before the sound of the opening bell of a cut-throat world heavyweight championship fight.
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk after months of “will they-won’t they” are about to confront each other to determine the first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis 24 years ago.
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Having been ringside at more than 80 world heavyweight title fights there have been only a few I can describe as epic history-making battles.
The stand-outs are three involving Muhammad Ali — two against Joe Frazier and the Rumble in the Jungle with George Foreman.
The Riddick Bowe-Evander Holyfield trilogy, the two Holyfield-Mike Tyson encounters and Larry Holmes against Gerry Cooney.
Fury-Usyk is billed as “Ring of Fire”. I don’t wish to pour cold water on the flames but I will be very surprised if this duel will have us sitting on the edge of our seats with excitement.
Usyk is far too clever a technician to get involved in an all-out war with a far more powerful man — six inches taller and several stone heavier.
This Little and Large affair is likely to be messy and more mundane than memorable with lots of clinches and Usyk using mind over matter as his most potent weapon.
Logically there is no way the Gypsy King should lose — that old adage about a good big-un always beating a good little-un was coined for good reason.
If it was the Fury of three years ago when he KO’d Deontay Wilder in the last of their unforgettable trilogy then I believe Usyk — despite his masterful skills and boxing brain — would be facing a painful defeat.
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But there was evidence seven months ago when Fury was lucky to get a debateable points win after crude MMA novice Francis Ngannou had floored him, that his powers may be in decline.
Those three brutal drag-out wars he had with Wilder could be catching up with him, resulting in the slowing of his reflexes.
The young Fury would never have been caught by Ngannou’s left hook that sent him to the canvas.
There are two vital factors that could have an important bearing on the outcome that shouldn’t be overlooked.
It’s quite possible the deep gash Fury received in training that required ten stitches only three months ago could be reopened by Usyk’s accurate jab.
That would be a psychological blow to Tyson and also force him to change tactics.
Usyk isn’t just fighting for himself — he is carrying 40 million fellow Ukrainians on his back.
This deeply religious family man knows if he returns to Kyiv with the WBC belt, as well as the WBA, IBF and IBO straps draped over his shoulders, it will be a tremendous morale boost for his war-torn nation.
This is the first time two undefeated men have fought for the world heavyweight titles since the first Ali-Frazier fight 53 years ago.
According to the betting odds, punters aren’t finding it easy to choose a winner — Fury is the slightest of favourites at even money while Usyk is at 11-10.
It will be no surprise if Fury uses his height and weight advantage to physically wear Usyk out.
But my gut feeling is Usyk is clever enough to keep out the way of Fury’s big punches and earn a close but decisive points victory.
Talking to boxing people and fans this week I have the impression Fury is losing popularity — not helped by his father John’s headbutting antics — and not too many tears will be shed if he should lose.
