The Gypsy King has adopted an attacking approach in his recent bouts and Bellew thinks that this will help the Ukranian in the bout next weekend.

The retired boxer - who was beaten by Usyk in his final fight in 2018 - told talkSPORT: "I think Tyson Fury stood the best chance of beating him when he was with his uncle Peter Fury because that's when he was an unorthodox, big, awkward fighter who used his size and his attributes to his advantage.

"Now, he's this fighter that loves to press fighters and look for a knockout under the brilliant SugarHill Steward at the Kronk.

"He's a different fighter now, he's someone that looks for the knockout and that's music to Oleksandr Usyk's ears.

"I know because I've been in there with him, the boy is exceptional at what he does."

He added: "Don't get me wrong there is another side to that coin.

"Tyson Fury could get on top and he might be too heavy but in my opinion and from my experience, Oleksandr Usyk is going to win wide on points.

"We have to put this into context, if Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury were the same size, this fight wouldn't even be up for debate."

Bellew has repeatedly stated that he expects Usyk to beat Fury and was astonished by the way the world champion was immune to any mind games.

He said: "You're not getting inside his head to be honest. I believe, without blowing my own trumpet, that I'm very, very good at that. I'm absolutely fantastic at winding people up.

"But I didn't think he spoke great English and then he came into the dressing room after beating me up and then spoke perfect English to me, he done me good and proper."