Boxing legend Evander Holyfield believes Oleksandr Usyk has the edge over Tyson Fury ahead of their historic unification bout in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.

The two heavyweights, who are each bidding to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four belt era, will finally take to the ring in Riyadh after months of preparation, with the Fury considered the favourite over the Ukrainian.

But Holyfield, who reigned as the undisputed cruiserweight champion during the late 1980s, believes Usyk’s versatility and size gives him an advantage over the Gypsy King, praising the 37-year-old fighter’s relentless and energetic style.

‘I think, if Tyson Fury can keep him out there, keep hitting him with the jab, he is going to win,’ Holyfield exclusively told Mail Sport on Friday. ‘Usyk is going to try and get in, so Tyson needs to keep him out there and keep him out there for a long time.

‘But, if Usyk manages to get in, the fight could go in his favour. If the guy that has the long arm is successful in keeping out there, he will win. But, if Usyk is able to get in, he is going to win because he throws more punches and he’s got the faster hands.

Tyson Fury (left, black hat), takes on Oleksandr Usyk (centre, white suit) on Saturday evening
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Tyson Fury (left, black hat), takes on Oleksandr Usyk (centre, white suit) on Saturday evening

Boxing legend Evander Holyfield (above) believes Usyk has the edge over the Gypsy King
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Boxing legend Evander Holyfield (above) believes Usyk has the edge over the Gypsy King

The former undisputed champion is in Riyadh ahead of the huge showpiece on Saturday night
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The former undisputed champion is in Riyadh ahead of the huge showpiece on Saturday night

‘Usyk actually has the advantage because he is the smaller guy, but he’s also got good punching power and he has quick hands. So, he’s really got more of an advantage, he’s really got more.’

Holyfield, who claims Usyk has been ‘tested more than taller guys’, has suggested that the Ukrainian will adapt better on the night than Fury.

‘Being smaller guys too, we are in and out all of the time. We are accustomed to it. The big guys, they are the ones that aren’t accustomed to it but they hit a lot harder too,’ he added.

‘Usyk has a lot of energy. He likes working. He’s one of the those guys, you just look at him and you know he is trouble. He has that look in his face that you know he is winning to go through anything.

‘He hasn’t been a really big guy his entire life, so he’s constantly been tested more than the taller guys. When you’re a big guy, people don’t mess with big people.’