BOB ARUM has heaped praise on Oleksandr Usyk and admitted Tyson Fury “wasn’t prepared” for his fight with Francis Ngannou.
Ngannou put his MMA career on hold in October when he crossed over to the boxing ring to face Fury.
And he almost caused the mother of all upsets with a knockdown in round three but the ex-UFC champion was beaten controversially on points.
Fury, 35 insisted he gave Ngannou, 37, his full respect in training camp.
But Hall of Fame promoter Arum – who has worked with the Gypsy King since 2019 – hinted otherwise.
He told BoxingScene: “Let’s be honest…
“You watch Fury’s last fight with Ngannou, either he really wasn’t prepared for that fight, or he’s lost a step. When fighters get up in age, that happens.
“I really believe it’s the former – that Fury didn’t prepare as well as he should have [against Ngannou], who, by the way, has the tools to become a force in the heavyweight division.”
Fury’s historic undisputed title bout against Oleksandr Usyk was postponed from December to February 17 as a result of his fight with Ngannou.
It will be the first time in heavyweight history that all four world titles will be on the line and Arum was full of praise for Usyk, 36.
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He said: “I really believe [Fury vs Usyk is] going to be a fascinating fight.
“Usyk is a very smart fighter. He prepares extremely well. He’s fearless. That will be a very big test for Fury.
“Fury knows that. He’s been training assiduously for the fight.”
