Eddie Hearn is picking Tyson Fury to defeat Oleksandr Usyk on points on Saturday night in their rematch in Riyadh. Matchroom promoter Hearn is quite open for why he’s picking the England-born Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) to win, saying it’s because he’s “British” and because of “what might come,” which is code for mega-fight against Anthony Joshua.

Money Talks

The boxing establishment wants Fury, 36, to win this fight because having him as the unified heavyweight champion is great for business. Fury represents money. So, it’s not a surprise that there’s a certain desperation for him to be victorious against Usyk.

It lets you know what Usyk is up against on Saturday night. He is in the same position as past Fury opponents, who appeared to beat him but had their victories snatched away. Tyson should arguably have four defeats on his resume, not one. It’s hard to beat a fighter when they’re as popular as Fury.

You’ve got to give Hearn credit for being transparent about his bias, even if it is self-serving. There’s a lot of dough the fight between the Matchrooom-promoted Joshua would make fighting Fury if he’s victorious on Saturday night against WBA, WBC, and WBO heavyweight champion Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.

Honesty Or Self-Interest?

“I think people are forgetting how close the fight was. It’s difficult to not pick Oleksandr Usyk for this fight, but I had it two rounds max for Oleksandr Usyk. Obviously, that was weird for these standing count,” said Eddie Hearn to Matchroom Boxing, talking about the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk first fight earlier this year on May 18th.

“I expect another really close fight on Saturday. I’m picking Tyson Fury for many reasons. I’m channeling my inner karma to him, because of obviously what might come [Anthony Joshua mega-fight], and the fact that we’re British as well.

If Hearn had nothing to gain from a Fury win on Saturday, it would be interesting to know if he would still view him as winning. My guess is no. Even with his massive 40 lb size advantage, Fury isn’t on the same level as Usyk talent-wise, and he doesn’t look like the same fighter physically going into the rematch as he was seven months ago when he lost a 12-round split decision.

“I’ve got a sneaky feeling. I saw the stuff yesterday, and I thought he [Fury] looked real relaxed. Usyk is talking real cocky, real different this time. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but I’m going Tyson Fury and I’m going Tyson Fury on points,” said Hearn.