Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk is fast approaching – and Fabio Wardley believes one fighter has the edge.

Fury and Usyk will seek to make history in their May 18 encounter, with the winner set to be declared the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis completed the feat in 1999.

Fury and Usyk are set to battle to make history this monthCredit: Top Rank

British heavyweight Wardley knows both fighters well.

Heo stepped in to a training shootout with Fury before his win over Francesco Pianeta in August 2018, and travelled to Ukraine to spar Usyk ahead of his win over Briton Tony Bellew in November of the same year.

Having touched gloves with both, Wardley believes Usyk could have his hand raised given his military-like dedication focus on the sport.

“I always will back the Brit and I want the Brit [Fury] to win the fight,” the British heavyweight champion told talkSPORT.com in an exclusive chat.

“But I think I am edging it towards Usyk, I think mentality plays a massive part in boxing.

“Especially in terms of focus, where you are at and what you want and I think Fury has achieved so much and been in the spotlight for so long.

“I really like him and he’s a great bloke, and I think he under-estimated Francis Ngannou – and I believe some of that may carry over.

“Both were a complete nightmare in their own right, and certainly weren’t a comfortable spar.”

It is certainly an interesting match-up, with Fury seemingly the narrow favourite going into the contest.

Wardley sparred Usyk and has tipped him to beat Fury in a close encounterCredit: Instagram – Fabio Wardley

This is largely down to his size as a natural heavyweight, holding a six inch height advantage over his rival, standing at 6ft 9ins in comparison to Usyk at 6ft 3ins.

But like Wardly, Usyk’s promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, believes his client’s mentality will give him the edge over Fury.

“I can tell you about the secret weapon of Usyk’s, the only problem is it’s not a secret,” he said

“His weapon is his mind, his heart, his experience and boxing skills.

“And the main thing about him that is different from Tyson Fury is his discipline.

“That is what makes him great and it is his toughest weapon.”

It is a legacy-defining night, and one which the winner could see them ranked as one of the greatest heavyweights of all-time.

The ‘Gypsy King’ comes into the contest on the back of an unconvincing win over Ngannou in October 2022, but he has been training hard and has shown off a remarkable transformation.

Equally, Usyk faced a tough outing against Daniel Dubois last time after rallying to win following a controversial ‘low blow’ knockdown.

But both fighters will be hoping to get the better of a saga, which is expected to play out over two fights with an immediate sequel contracted.