Coach suggests Fury’s father will not be in corner

Tyson Fury’s head coach SugarHill Steward has suggested John Fury will not be in his son’s corner for his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday in Riyadh.

Fury, 36, is targeting revenge against WBO, WBA (Super) and IBF heavyweight world champion Usyk, having narrowly lost their first encounter on points last May.

John was in the corner for that fight, alongside trainers Steward and Andy Lee, and the cutman.

Speaking at the open workouts on Wednesday, Steward appeared to confirm John would not return to the corner.

“Just myself [will be in the corner], Andy Lee and the cutman,” Steward said. “Pretty much that’s it.”

The comments will come as a surprise to many, despite calls for Fury to make changes.

There was criticism about the chaotic nature of Fury’s corner in his first encounter against Usyk, with his father John and both coaches giving him instructions all at once.

Fury, who suffered his first pro defeat in 36 fights against Usyk, had already said this week he was unsure if his father would be in his corner.

“I don’t know,” said Tyson when asked about his dad’s involvement. “I don’t get involved in all that.”

Fury’s assistant coach Lee also said he did not know whether John would be involved while, earlier this month, promoter Frank Warren told BBC Sport he expected Fury Sr to be in the corner once again.

While Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion for almost 30 years six months ago, the Ukrainian has since dropped the IBF title for the rematch.

Before the last Usyk v Fury bout, John appeared to headbutt a member of Usyk’s team on the Monday before the fight, but is yet to be seen this week in Riyadh. – bbc.com