Bold truth: boxing often exposes a fighter’s true edge, and Barry McGuigan argues that Tyson Fury may struggle to recapture peak form as he nears 37. McGuigan, a former WBA featherweight champion, questions Fury’s timing and durability after a long layoff and a recent defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024. Fury is slated to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. McGuigan, now 62-3 in his own long career (28 of those wins by knockout) but retired at 28 after an upset loss to Jim McDonnell in 1989, has since built a varied career as a pundit, trainer, manager, and fitness devotee, with notable appearances on reality TV.
In his Mirror column, McGuigan notes that Fury relies more on rhythm and precision than sheer power. He explains that a prolonged absence can disrupt timing, so when Fury sits in punching range, he might find himself getting hit more often than delivering the punishment. The last time Fury won a fight decisively without controversy was back in December 2022, when he defeated Derek Chisora in 10 rounds. This week, Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, told Sky Sports that Fury eyes a third showdown with Usyk in 2026.
McGuigan cautions against chasing a Usyk trilogy right now. He argues that Usyk has already demonstrated in back-to-back fights that he has the tactical answers to Fury. At this stage of Fury’s career, the Irishman suggests there isn’t much new to prove and that Fury should first establish himself as a credible force again before pursuing a high-stakes rematch.
Still, McGuigan does give Fury a chance against Makhmudov, predicting that Fury’s upright opponent could leave himself exposed to Fury’s right hand. Yet his broader point comes from experience: the danger in chasing yesterday’s form, especially for a fighter who has hung his hat on timing and reflexes.
To his credit, Fury has never hidden from tough questions about his own level. McGuigan concludes with a thoughtful reminder: boxing is a sport that strips away illusion and lays bare the truth, perhaps more honestly than any other game.
