John Fury had questioned Steward’s guidance following the first Oleksandr Usyk defeat, criticising the tactics used in the corner.
‘If I hadn’t been in that corner, he’d have gone out in the 10th round trying to knock him out – throwing big punches. What kind of nonsense is that? What kind of Kronk-style rubbish is that?’ John Fury said, as reported by Metro.
He went further in his assessment of Steward.
‘He’s no Emanuel Steward, he’s nothing like him. He’s just a gym sweeper, that’s all he ever was, living off his granddad’s name or whoever it was. He came over here without even £25 for a plane ticket.’
Fury has taken a different position. He confirmed that Steward remains a fixed part of his team.
Stability in the corner becomes important with a fixed date in place, especially against an opponent who will bring pressure early.
‘We’ve known each other for 16 years. He’s part of the team, always has been and always will be.’
Preparation for the April 11 fight has shifted location, with Fury training in Thailand rather than his usual base. He reported no issues in camp.
‘Training is going very well, so far so good. I’m feeling fantastic and Makhmudov is going to get himself into some severe bother. In three weeks time I’m knocking him out cold.’
He also addressed the time away from the ring.
‘I think this has been my longest retirement, 16 months by the time I fight again. I was a normal civilian and it sucked every day I was a civilian.’
Makhmudov presses forward, stepping in behind his shots and looking to force exchanges early. Fury’s ability to manage distance, keep his punch selection tight will shape how the rounds develop.
The team remains unchanged, and the result will show if that call holds under pressure.
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