TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk’s upcoming dream match promises to be one for the ages.
And that is why tonight’s bout in Saudi Arabia needs a referee that can take everything thrown his way – literally and figuratively.
Mark Nelson, the referee for #FuryUsyk, took a BIG hit in the ring recently
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) May 17, 2024
Will he have his work cut out on Saturday night…pic.twitter.com/s2hU5tPsN8
It seems that the powers that be have taken that on board and hired experienced official Mark Nelson for the job to keep the two undefeated heavyweights in line.
Nelson has officiated over 100 world titles throughout his long career and has also proven capable of dealing with all sorts of unpleasantness in the ring.
Such was the case back in 2016 during a match that saw the American taking a devastating punch to the face and barely flinching.
Nelson refereed a grudge match between Maciej Sulecki and Hugo Centeno Jr eight years ago.
And it was during the seventh round when Centeno accidentally caught the ref square on the chin with a right hook after Sulecki pushed him to the canvas.
But Nelson was completely unmoved and continued with his job that saw him ultimately raising Sulecki’s hand in victory.
The infamous highlight has resurfaced ahead of the highly-anticipated clash between Fury and Usyk, and boxing fans are certain he is the right man to call this fight right down the middle.
Some of them even claimed Nelson has a stronger chin than famous British boxer Amir Khan.
One fan tweeted: “Blimey he took that well.”
Another commented: “Took it well tbh.”
A third said: “Got a better chin than Amir Khan.”
This fan wrote: “Ooof, he took it like a champ! I’d be out cold for a week.”
And that one stated: “Stayed on his feet. Fairs.”
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.
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.
The young Fury would never have been caught by Ngannou’s left hook that sent him to the canvas.
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.
