Sarah Liegmann – From the ring corner: “I rather see Fury in front”

Before I get started, I’m really glad you’re here to read my column. It’s going to be chaotic, funny, but mainly 100 percent real. I’ll be sharing lots of anecdotes and experiences from the world of boxing, but also giving you some exciting insights into my everyday madness. And now it’s time to clear the ring!

Another legendary event is about to take place: Fury vs. Usyk II. The fans have been waiting years for the first fight and now we boxing fans can see it a second time within a year. An interview has already revealed that there will be a rematch clause again this time. So we can hope for another clash after this fight.

But first, a brief look back at Fury vs. Usyk I: On May 18, 2024, the two heavyweights met in Saudi Arabia to determine the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. A title last held by Lennox Lewis in 2000. Two of the three judges saw Fury in the lead with five rounds won by the end of the eighth round. The third judge had scored four rounds for Fury and four for Usyk up to this point. But then came the knockdown. Fury staggered and could only hold on to the ropes. A shock, as hardly anyone had expected this at the time, but Fury regained consciousness. The outcome of the fight had not yet been decided at this point. However, with the score at 8:10, Fury had to put his last reserves into the next rounds after the knockdown in order to win the fight.

Three rounds were still to come, but Fury was only able to win over all three judges in the final round. In the end, it came down to a split decision for Usyk. Team Fury and many fans were certain that without the knockdown, Tyson would have been the reigning undisputed heavyweight champion. In an interview, Tyson was asked if he had changed his training or the whole fight camp. His answer was a clear “no”. His reasoning here was also the knock-down, because in his opinion everything had been going according to plan up to that point. He had felt good in the ring and didn’t know what he should do “more” this time, as it had been enough to keep Usyk at bay in the last fight.

Liegmann: “I am torn”

However, he seems to have changed one thing, as in further interviews Fury reported on his tough preparation in Malta. During this time he had had no contact with his wife Paris Fury or his children, not to mention a cell phone. For me personally, it would be impossible to have no contact with my family before such an important fight, but for him, despite his great love for his family, it seems to be important to have this distance in order to stay focused. On May 17, 2024, his wife lost a son six months pregnant. Tragic news that you never really want to receive, especially not the day before the most important fight of your life.

Usyk, who has already won all the cruiserweight belts, is also confident of victory in the rematch. When asked what his current plan was, he replied with regard to Fury: “Don’t be afraid – I will not leave you alone”. Meaning that he will chase him around the ring as he did in the first fight. Apart from that, we hear less from Usyk, but this is due to the language barrier. It will definitely be an exciting fight! I’m actually torn about my prediction, but I think Fury is ahead – I think the loss has done something to him, in a positive way. I think his will to win and his concentration are at the highest level this time. But overall I see Usyk as the technically better boxer. As I said, it will be exciting.

Not a fan of AI referee

One headline that did put me off the fight card a bit today, however, was the information that for the first time in history an AI referee will be following the fight. While the AI referee’s decision won’t factor into the official decision, I think this AI debut is the beginning of a permanent inclusion. I don’t think that’s good. Sport should remain human. Even in soccer, the constant video evidence annoys me. Of course, decisions are made clearer and easier. Nevertheless, decisions should continue to be made by trained humans and not by AI in the future. Even if people can make wrong decisions, you can’t always rely on software. Just as people can be bribed, AI can also be manipulated. I’m curious to see how this will be presented on Saturday.