'Heard it here first' - Carl Froch makes worrying Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk prediction

Carl Froch is sceptical about whether Tyson Fury’s superfight with Oleksandr Usyk will go ahead on February 17.

The date and venue for the undisputed heavyweight title clash was confirmed a fortnight ago following Fury’s controversial win over Francis Ngannou. December 23 was the original script for the Usyk bout but a bump in the road against the former UFC champion, who made his professional boxing debut in Riyadh, scuppered those plans.

The Gypsy King edged out Ngannou on a split decision after being knocked to the canvas. Knocks sustained in that fight meant the Usyk fight - which fans demanded earlier this year - has been pushed back until February.

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The showdown will be bankrolled by and take place in Saudi Arabia, the same as his close decision win over Ngannou. But ex-super middleweight champion Froch has doubts about the February date, questioning whether Fury will stay in shape over the festive period.

“Listen, Tyson’s got to get through Christmas and New Year,” the 46-year-old told his YouTube Channel. “Not relax, not have a drink, not overeat. It’s going to be a tough one. He’s got a wonderful family, his wife and seven children, so he’ll want to relax and have a good time.

“Is he going to want to be training over Christmas and New Year which he’s going to have to do if he’s ready for the February event? I’m not sure, I think the fight will be pushed back to March. You heard it here first.”