Boxing trainer Don Charles thinks Tyson Fury has 'gone silent' as his fight with Oleksandr Usyk creeps closer.
The mega showdown between the two heavyweights will take place on February 17 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Fury goes into the fight looking to silence his critics, having been condemned for his poor performance during his victory over Francis Ngannou at the end of October.
Usyk, meanwhile, is a man operating at the peak of his powers having won all 21 of his career showdowns so far.
Boxing news: Tyson Fury has 'gone silent' as his fight with Oleksandr Usyk rapidly approaches
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Some have questioned Fury as the fight creeps closer, including his own father.
There are individuals who believe the 35-year-old has become complacent, having won 34 of his 35 career fights so far.
Yet Charles thinks Fury is taking the fight seriously and has 'gone quiet' as he looks to reign supreme.
“This Fury who has gone silent, I believe he’s gone silent, he’s gone away to train, he’s taking it seriously," he told talkSPORT.
“Forgive me if I get this wrong, but I don’t even think it will be a hard fight for Fury.
“He’ll maul him, he’s too big for Usyk, he’ll maul him, hit him, tie him up, push him off, he’ll maul him.”
Fury has been quieter than usual.
But he did sport a black eye as he took to social media earlier in the week.
Fury was running up a mountain with some friends and mocked Usyk, insisting he's putting in the work.
Charles thinks Usyk will struggle to cope with Fury due to the sheer size difference between the two men.
“I’ve looked at this fight and no matter how I look at it I come to one conclusion," he said.
“Yes, Usyk is an exceptional, brilliant technician/tactician.
“Usyk has a fantastic rhythm that can offset Fury.
"[He needs to throw] lots of feints, shoot to the body, leave the head alone.
“Throw all your combinations to the waist, don’t go up, leave Fury’s head alone, that’s what I would advise.”
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Boxing news: Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will fight on February 17
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Meanwhile, Joe Joyce has also offered his prediction for the fight.
He thinks it's too tough to call, though does believe there will be a rematch.
"This is the fight everyone wants to see," he told Betway.
"And I thought it was going to happen a lot sooner but then the Francis Ngannou [vs. Fury] fight came [in October].
"Tyson Fury is taller and has a longer range, but Usyk throws more shots, is more skilful in the southpaw stance and it is a 50/50 fight.
Boxing news: Don Charles thinks Tyson Fury will beat Oleksandr Usyk when they meet in Saudi Arabia
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"I’m not sure who will win but there will be a rematch."
Fury vs Usyk has the makings of a classic.
It is the first heavyweight fight since the days of Lennox Lewis.
And it seems as though excitement is already building as the lucrative Saudi showdown nears.
