Tyson Fury’s lack of sparring affected his performance against Oleksandr Usyk according to coach Andy Lee.

Fury was beaten by Usyk in their undisputed heavyweight world title clash in May, succumbing to a split decision defeat on the judges scorecards.

Fury was unable to spar after suffering a cut before their clashQueensberry

Prior to the huge clash, the ‘Gypsy King’ had been forced to reschedule the date once already, after suffering a cut during sparring for their initial planned meeting.

It left doubts over if the cut could reopen in the clash, and many believed it could hamper the Briton’s chances.

And Lee, who was one of the voices in Fury’s corner that night, insisted it hampered his preparations and saw him miss out on sparring rounds altogether.

“It was a close fight, I thought it could have been a draw but I had no arguments with Usyk getting the decision,” he told talkSPORT in an exclusive interview.

“Fights are won and lost in the ring, but also in training and preparation. Because of the rearranged date because of the cut, Tyson couldn’t spar.

“The conditioning and sharpness it took away, and his ability to concentrate and stay ready and sustain attacks.

“When Tyson would have success he would have to ease off and back away and build up his energy again before moving on.

“In the meantime it encouraged Usyk to come forward and gave him the emphasis to take it because he was taking a break.”

Fury struggled in the contest and even threatened to be stopped in the ninth round after being knocked down by the unstoppable Ukrainian.

The former WBC champion was adamant he had done enough to win however, and even scored himself ahead on his own scorecard.

Fury ultimately fell to defeat against Usyk but gets a shot at revengeGetty

TalksportLee revealed just how much Fury’s preparations were affected[/caption]

But it will now be an uphill battle for revenge when he meets ‘The Cat’ again on December 21.

Fury has a chance to prove he has what it takes to reign king of the division again at the second time of asking.

And Lee believes it will be a lot better this time round, without the hindrance of stopping sparring.

“It will be different because he will be able to spar,” Lee continued.

“You can do all of the bag, running, weights but two rounds of sparring is more beneficial,. He needs to do sparring and that will improve him.

“I think Usyk will look to feint and come forward, which will force Tyson to engage with him or box and move.

“He couldn’t come forward because he didn’t have the conditioning from not sparring, and he had to take breaks.

“This time round, how he will win it is he will be better conditioned and sharper.

“He can then keep going instead of doing the good work then taking a break and showboating a bit to buy some time.”