Tyson Fury’s uncle and ex-trainer Peter explains why strategy was ‘all wrong’ in Oleksandr Usyk fights

Peter Fury insists Tyson Fury approached his defeats to Oleksandr Usyk with an incorrect tactical game plan.

The heavyweight star suffered the first two defeats of his career against masterful Usyk in 2024.

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On both occasions, the ‘Gypsy King’ thought he had won, but in their maiden meeting, he was fortunate not to be stopped by the rampant Ukrainian.

Fury was adamant he won both fights and rued the judging decisions, despite it being seen by officials that he was fairly beaten.

His father John believed he came in with the wrong game plan and preparations which ultimately saw him come up short.

Peter Fury – his tactics were wrong against Usyk

That is also the view of Fury’s uncle Peter, who trained the champion until they split in 2017, guiding him to his most famous victory over Wladimir Klitschko.

He believes that the weight and back-foot approach ultimately cost his nephew.

The trainer said on the latest episode of talkBOXING: “You are bigger man.

“You come in at 20 stone and done all the wrong things. Instead of going forward, he stood back.

“He’s got his team there, I’m not criticising anybody, but his tactics in both fights were all wrong.

“If we have a welterweight who throws 1000 punches and a heavyweight, is the bigger guy going to do that with him or step in and throw one big shot?

“They went about it wrong, the strategies were wrong. It doesn’t mean to say Usyk was better than him. You get the wrong tactics and that happens.

“When you look at the structure of Usyk, if you stand off and try to box an elite boxer who is lighter than you, he will ping you all over the shop.”

Fury will hope he can get a chance to redeem himself against Usyk in a trilogy in the future.

And seeking advice from his uncle may be wise, given he cornered Rico Verhoeven to coming ever so close to an upset win over the champion last month.

Fury vs Joshua – a fight long in the waiting

Nonetheless, despite initially retiring, Fury is back now and is ready to conquer the division again.

Immediate focus will be on his now signed bout with Anthony Joshua, which will take place in the final quarter of 2026.

He will first likely take on another warm-up fight after beating Arslanbek Makhmudov.

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But many, if he comes through, will then make him a favourite to beat Joshua.

For his uncle Peter, he expects the fight could play into the Morecambe native’s hands if he uses a technical boxing approach.

He continued: “I think if Tyson can box and slip Joshua’s work and catch Joshua on the way in, that puts it in his favour.

“But in Joshua’s favour, if he lands and lands properly it will be over.

“That is where we are with it, so I think it’s a great fight.”