Tyson Fury wasn’t able to spar to the head in the lead-up to his inaugural encounter with Oleksandr Usyk.

However, that is set to change ahead of their second fight on December 21.

AFPFury wasn’t able to spar for his first fight with Usyk[/caption]

Fury fell to the first defeat of his professional career against Usyk in May, succumbing to a narrow split decision defeat after being dropped in the ninth round.

The heavyweight titans were initially set to square off on in February, but the fight got pushed back three months after Fury suffered a cut in sparring.

Training partner Agron Smakici left Fury with a deep gash above his right eye that required 11 stitches when he connected with an accidental elbow.

This resulted in Fury having to tone back his sparring in the lead-up to his first fight with Usyk over fears his cut would re-open.

But those restrictions have been lifted for fight camp number two, which talkSPORT’s Gareth A. Davies insists will make a world of difference.

“He didn’t do any head sparring for that first fight and that is going to be a major difference and a major adjustment for this one,” Davies told talkSPORT Breakfast with Gabby Agbonlahor and Ally McCoist.

“When he goes to his camp in the Mediterranean, I won’t say which Island, where’s going to train in Riyadh, he is going to be able to do proper sparring.

“He will be sharper, he will have more acuity. Imagine not being able to tackle, you boys have played sport at the highest level.

“Imagine going into a major football game and not being able to put yourself into a tackle or being able to put yourself physically into training.

“That will make a big difference, he will be much sharper.”

Fury cut his eye during a sparring session and the fight was postponedX – Tyson Fury

This comes after Fury’s coach Andy Lee told talkSPORT earlier this month: “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.”