‘Just Too Many Voices in the Corner’: Former Sparring Partner Speaks on Tyson Fury Support

On Saturday, May 18, we saw history created in the heavyweight division as Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) defeated Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to become the first undisputed champion in the division since Lennox Lewis. It was a brilliant tension-filled fight that will go down in history as one of the most memorable. The headline bout on the “Ring of Fire” card has split opinion regarding the scorecards and possible rematch, but a former sparring partner of both, Dave Allen has had his say on the corner work in camp Fury.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk

Dave Allen Speaks on Fury Corner Work

Fury lost to Usyk in the undisputed heavyweight bout via split decision in a memorable back-and-forth contest that saw the Ukrainian launch a comeback after being behind on the scorecards early. The ninth round will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most dramatic, as Usyk scored a knockdown and would have arguably stopped “The Gypsy King” had the round not ended.

Throughout the bout, Fury received guidance from his trainer SugarHill Steward, and his father, John Fury. British Heavyweight Dave Allen has previously sparred with both – and has had his say to Boxing Social on the corner work for Fury: “Just too many voices in the corner really, I thought tactically through halfway was spot on case he boxed him, and he had to box him ’cause Usyk was so sharp, but you know you cut to the corners.”

Allen continued: “Sugar Hill in the corner, he’s the only voice for me but he’s getting advice from John as well, after the knockdown in round 10 get on your bike and have a rest but 11 and 12 you need to win them rounds, he was trying to steal it.” 

What’s Next?

Should Fury choose to continue, a second fight against Usyk looks the most feasible option, with a rematch likely for October. A massive all-British heavyweight clash against Anthony Joshua arguably looks further away than ever.

Speaking about the future, Fury said: “We’ll go home, eat some food, drink some beers, spend some family time, walk my dog, go to the tip and me and Frank (Warren) will talk about what’s going to happen in the future.”

He continued: “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I think I’d just do a little bit more of the same, keep my defence a little bit tighter, a bit more focused, and not so much messing around because I was having fun in there.”