Ex-Champ Groves Warns Of Fury's Aging And Vulnerability In Face-Off Against Usyk And Joshua

George Groves highlights Tyson Fury's physical decline and risks ahead of clashes with Usyk and Joshua, citing concerns over aging and wear and tear.

George Groves, the former super middleweight champion, believes that Tyson Fury is starting to show physical indications of aging and wear and tear from his 16-fight career.

Fury's latest performance against Francis Ngannou brought to light his deteriorating physical state. In an effort to get a decision, he battled and was knocked down by the novice and fortune. Groves remarks that the 35-year-old's legs aren't as strong as they once were. 

What's more concerning is that Fury is about to enter the most difficult phase of his career—he will be facing heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk on May 18—and is going into that moment. Fury(34-0-1, 24KOs) might lose and then face knockout fighter Anthony Joshua; if AJ wins, Fury from England might end up getting knocked out cold, much like AJ did to Ngannou last Friday.

Fury's trainer SugarHill Steward cannot reverse the physical decline he is displaying, nor can visiting a rejuvenating health retreat and consuming special water in the hopes of regaining his youth. Fury cannot become the 19-year-old he was when he first got pro by using a mystical time travel method.

“Fury, maybe the legs are a little bit older now and a little bit tougher and a little bit harder,” said George Groves on The Verdict YouTube channel regarding Tyson Fury's aging appearance, vulnerability, and prospects against Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua.

It doesn't have any ambiguity. Given his advanced age, Fury's training is undoubtedly more difficult than it was in the past. Gaining weight in between fights and squandering valuable time on battles against Dereck Chisora, Dillian Whyte, and three bouts against Deontay Wilder haven't benefited him. 

With his legs gone and aging setting in, Fury would have had a greater chance of defeating Anthony Joshua if he had simply gone directly to the champ in 2018. Just like Ngannou was last Friday, Fury is now a sitting duck for Joshua's devastating right-hand power shots.

“If he goes through with that fight against Usyk, that might take its toll on him. People are talking about the Deontay Wilder fights catching up with Fury now. He’s had a long career, operated at the top, and dealt with the pressures of that,” said Groves.