DAVID HAYE has backed Oleksandr Usyk to beat Tyson Fury – but without getting the judges’ decision.

The two undefeated champions collide in the heavyweight division’s first four-belt unification bout in Saudi Arabia.

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Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk face off for the final time before fighting
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Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk face off for the final time before fightingCredit: PA

David Haye gave his thoughts on the historic bout
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David Haye gave his thoughts on the historic bout

Opinions have been divided on whether it will be Fury’s size and power or Usyk’s slick skills which will prevail

Former two-division champ Haye – who has been trolled online for getting predictions woefully wrong in the past – had a very specific prediction.

He believes Usyk, 37, will do enough over the 12 rounds to get the win in his eyes but not officially on the cards.

Haye, 43, said: “I feel this fight is going to be very technical and I think both fighters are supreme boxers and it will come down to skills.

“I’m not sure if Tyson Fury can implement his physicality over the smaller man as he would like to as Usyk has very, very good feet.

“Good lateral movement, he’s a great counter puncher and this makes it very difficult for the big man, who is slower to get to grips of Usyk.

“I think it will be a points decision but I feel the judges will see it as even.

“I think Usyk on my scorecard will win but the judges will go with a draw, majority will go with a draw.”


Fury, 35, was dropped in his last fight in October by ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 37, but escaped with a controversial split-decision.

And Haye added: “I saw Ngannou winning that fight when he fought Tyson Fury but the judges saw otherwise. I think it will be a similar case.”

Despite Haye’s detailed verdict, fans were not so convinced amid his poor track record in the past.

One said: “No offence David but if you’re expecting controversy then I’m expecting a conclusive winner.”

Another added: “Thanks for always confirming for us what will not happen.”

But, another argued: “Draw, agreed.”