Johnny Nelson ranks Tyson Fury as the second best heavyweight behind Oleksandr Usyk
Fury struggles psychologically with accepting his loss to Usyk despite his skills and credentials
Nelson notes concerns about Fury's age and physical condition affecting his performance
Potential future fight could see Fury face Fabio Wardley for a world championship
📖 Full Retelling
Former world champion and Sky Sports boxing expert Johnny Nelson stated on February 27, 2026, that Tyson Fury remains the second best heavyweight in the world despite struggling to come to terms with his loss to Oleksandr Usyk, as the British boxer prepares for his return to the ring against Arslanbek Makhmudov in April. Nelson emphasized that among all heavyweights except Usyk, Fury possesses the most credentials, pedigree, and character both in and out of the ring, though he noted concerns about Fury's age and diminished physical capabilities compared to his prime years. The former champion explained that for someone who genuinely believed they were the best fighter in the world, accepting that status has changed after a defeat presents a significant psychological challenge, similar to what Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder experienced after losses to Fury. Nelson suggested that Fury might still be trying to convince himself he can beat Usyk, possibly by repeatedly watching their fights, and predicted that Fury would maintain his confident public persona while privately working through his defeat, with the potential next fight being against WBC champion Fabio Wardley if the title is still held by him after Fury's bout with Makhmudov.
Arslanbek Ruslanovich Makhmudov (Russian: Арсланбек Русланович Махмудов, Kumyk: Arslanbek Mahmut Ruslannı ulanı; born 7 June 1989) is a Russian professional boxer based in Canada. He competes in the heavyweight division. Known for his power and aggression, Makhmudov has won 19 of his 23 bouts by sto...
Tyson Luke Fury (born 12 August 1988) is a British professional boxer. He held multiple world heavyweight championships, including unified titles from 2015 to 2016, the Ring magazine title twice between 2015 and 2022, and the World Boxing Council (WBC) title from 2020 to 2024. He also held the Inter...
Ivanson Ranny "Johnny" Nelson (born 4 January 1967) is a British former professional boxer who competed from 1986 to 2005. He held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) cruiserweight title from 1999 to 2006, and remains the longest reigning cruiserweight world champion of all time. Nelson defended th...
Oleksandr Oleksandrovych Usyk (Ukrainian: Олександр Олександрович Усик, pronounced [olekˈsɑndr ˈusɪk]; born 17 January 1987) is a Ukrainian professional boxer. He has held the unified heavyweight championship since 2025, and the Ring magazine title since 2022. He held the undisputed championship in ...
Analysis Tyson Fury is still the second best heavyweight in the world, but he will struggle with that status, says Johnny Nelson Tyson Fury will return to boxing in April when fights Arslanbek Makhmudov; Even though Fury hasn't fought for over a year, former world champion and Sky Sports boxing expert Johnny Nelson believes Fury is the second best in the division but says he will struggle with that status Johnny Nelson Boxing Expert & Columnist Friday 27 February 2026 19:50, UK Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player A look back at some of the biggest comebacks in the boxing ring, including Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and more. Tyson Fury remains the second best heavyweight in the world, but he still has come to terms with his loss to Oleksandr Usyk, says former world champion and Sky Sports boxing expert Johnny Nelson... Now he's back, out of everybody out there bar Usyk, Tyson Fury has the most credentials, pedigree, character in and out of the ring. The only thing he hasn't got is the age on his side. I don't think he's got the legs he used to have. He's got everything else. So he's got to be smart enough in regards to who he picks to fight and the fights he has. Buy tickets for Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper bill also featuring Chantelle Cameron Terri Harper accuses Caroline Dubois of 'disrespect' before tense face-off Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW --> Captivate This content is provided by Captivate , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Captivate cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options . Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Captivate cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Captivate cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow ...
