Four-time world champion Carl Froch has reignited his war of words with Tyson Fury by poking fun at his ‘love handles’.
The Cobra has criticised the WBC heavyweight champion’s decision to face former UFC champ Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia this month.
The Gypsy King, however, is using the bout as preparation for his long-overdue undisputed title fight with Oleksandr Usyk.
But the bulky physique he showed during his face-off with Ngannou last month has convinced Froch that Usyk could come out on top.
Froch told Best Gambling Sites: ‘Is Fury at his best? He puts weight on between fights.
Carl Froch was not impressed with Tyson Fury during his face-off with rancis Ngannou
‘He’s carrying a lot of belly fat around, he’s got love handles.’
‘And if Fury is not firing on all cylinders, and Usyk turns up and puts on a career-best performance, Usyk will win and win comfortably.’
Froch, however, expects Fury to shape up.
He continued: ‘I just think it’s going to be taken seriously by both of them.
‘And a good Fury beats a good Usyk in a good very close fight and an awkward fight.
‘I think Fury nullifies his work and ties him up. I’m not so sure if he gets the stoppage.
‘I just think that the size of Fury will be a problem. I don’t think Usyk can make that range up against the 6 ‘9 Fury.’
Froch (R) says Tyson Fury will need to shape up for showdown with Oleksandr Usyk (L)
Fury and Usyk have signed contracts to set up an undisputed heavyweight championship fight in Saudi Arabia.
Fury is set to take on former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in October and his next contest will see him face Usyk to unify the WBC, IBF, WBO and WBA heavyweight titles.
The fight will take place in Saudi Arabia but no date has yet been confirmed.
ESPN have reported that the fight could happen on either December 23 or in January next year.