Richard Riakporhe believes Tyson Fury can defeat Oleksandr Usyk at the second time of asking if he takes a more aggressive approach in the rematch. The Gypsy King was beaten by Usyk on points last month, with the pair facing off in an undisputed showdown in Saudi Arabia.
Usyk established control in the early stages of the fight but Fury battled back to claim the middle rounds and give himself a route back into the contest. The defining moment came in the ninth round, when Usyk knocked Fury down with a devastating combination to regain the upper hand.
The former cruiserweight king went on to edge a narrow split decision to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. The two fighters will soon resume their rivalry in a rematch, which is scheduled to take place in December.
Riakporhe, who faces Chris Billam-Smith for the WBO cruiserweight title on Saturday night, believes Fury can redeem himself if he learns from his past mistakes.
“It was a brilliant match, I thank them for getting together and putting on such a great fight,” he told Express Sport. “It was a pleasure to witness two technicians, two legends, jumping in the ring and putting it all on the line.
“Both had success in the fight but Usyk emerged victorious. It was very inspiring for me given what Usyk did at cruiserweight and going up to heavyweight. It’s given me belief that I could do the same. It’s possible.
“Tyson Fury is a very legendary fighter and he’s not really getting the props at the moment. But as time goes on, people will understand that he’s also a legend. An amazing fight.
“The next fight, I’m not too sure who’s going to win. I think Tyson Fury could take a more aggressive approach and he can actually become victorious in that fight. I’m really interested to see.”
Fury has already insisted that he will do better next time around, with the Gypsy King preparing to come back from a defeat for the first time in his career.
In an Instagram video posted earlier this week, he said: “The path to redemption is all mine. I know what I have to do, I saw my shortcomings and best believe I am inevitable. I’m back in the gym as you can see, counting down the days until I get my redemption on Usyk.
“I’ve done everything in boxing but I ain’t come back from a loss. I relish it, the chance to come back and redeem myself. Undisputed here we come.”