Tyson Fury may be a marginal favourite to beat Oleksandr Usyk – but not in Chris Billam-Smith’s eyes.
The ‘Gypsy King’ failed to impress in a tough last outing against ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, where he edged out a narrow points win.
And he will now face the biggest challenge of his career against Usyk on May 18 for the undisputed titles.
But Fury has since admitted he wasn’t at his optimum performance in his preparations to face ‘The Predator’, and has since been seen looking menacing in training footage as he prepares to tackle the unbeaten Ukrainian.
WBO cruiserweight world champion Billam-Smith believes that undefeated Fury could struggle against Usyk due to his rival’s mental strength.
“I think Usyk seems more focused and more on it,” Billam Smith told talkSPORT.com.
“Fury likes to get into peoples heads before the fight, and Usyk has never let anyone in his head which is a factor.
“I just think when it comes to motivation after the last few years, I’m not sure how motivated Fury is anymore, he has achieved a hell of a lot.
“Usyk seems like he could box forever because he loves the sport and loves the lifestyle.
“Whereas Fury seems to be doing it because of what he knows as opposed to still being in it to improve.
“But Fury is 6’9 and a massive guy, and Usyk isn’t the biggest heavyweight so you never know what could happen.
“But if I had to pick up a winner, I’d edge Usyk because of the focus and concentration.”
Fury appears to be in a much better mindset to face Usyk, having made a remarkable transformation since competing in October 2023.
He is looking to become the first heavyweight to reign as undisputed champion in the division since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
Fans fear that Usyk could be in trouble with Fury showing off the best of his ability on the pads, and the British star has more motivation than ever.
A huge rematch appears to be next on the cards if he progresses, while a potential blockbuster with Anthony Joshua could lay in wait early in 2025.
One thing for sure is that the boxing world couldn’t possibly be more excited at the prospect of declaring an undisputed champion, with the best fighting the best in Saudi Arabia this spring.
