EDDIE HEARN has changed his prediction for Tyson Fury’s rematch against Oleksandr Usyk due to a “sneaky feeling”.
Fury was beaten for the first time in his career after losing a split-decision to Usyk in Saudi Arabia in May.
Eddie Hearn changed his prediction for Tyson Fury’s rematch against Oleksandr Usyk
ReutersFury ahead of his Riyadh rematch with Usyk[/caption]
But victory for the Gypsy King would win back the WBC belt he lost seven months ago and the WBA and WBO versions Usyk holds.
It would also open up the door for Hearn to try and make a blockbuster British bout between Anthony Joshua and Fury.
So Hearn – who backed Usyk to win the first fight and initially picked the same way for the rematch – is now siding with Fury after making a U-turn.
He told Matchroom Boxing: “I expect another really, really close fight on Saturday. I’m picking Tyson Fury, for many reasons.
“I’m channelling my inner calm to him because obviously of the potential of what might come and the fact that we’re British as well.
“But I’ve just got a sneaky feeling. I dunno, you just start buying into the pre-fight build up. I saw the stuff yesterday.
“I thought he looked very relaxed, Usyk talking real cocky, real, real different this time.
“I don’t know if that’s good or bad but I’m going Tyson Fury and I’m going Tyson Fury on points.”
Fury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematch
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Hearn and Joshua were ringside as Usyk became the first four-belt undisputed champion in heavyweight history.
But he was forced to vacate the IBF belt to proceed with the rematch as Daniel Dubois inherited the strap.
Dubois, 27, later knocked out Joshua, 35, in five rounds in September and talks for a rematch collapsed.
Instead, Dubois faces Joseph Parker, 32, on February 22 while AJ eyes a return in the summer against Fury.
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