Carl Froch takes a swipe at Tyson Fury over his ‘love handles’ ahead of Francis Ngannou clash… and four-time world champion warns the Gypsy King will need to shape up for Oleksandr Usyk showdown

Four-time world champion Carl Froch has reignited his war of words with Tyson Fury by mocking his ‘love handles’.

The Cobra has criticized the WBC heavyweight champion’s decision to take on former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia this month.

However, the Gypsy King is using the fight as preparation for his highly anticipated undisputed title fight with Oleksandr Usyk.

But the voluminous physique he showed in his showdown with Ngannou last month has Froch convinced Usyk could come out on top.

Fro told it Best gambling sites: ‘Is Fury at his best? He gains weight between fights.

“He’s carrying a lot of belly fat, he’s got love handles.”

“And if Fury isn’t firing on all cylinders, and Usyk turns up and puts in a career-best performance, Usyk will win and win comfortably.”

However, Froch expects Fury to take shape.

He continued, “I just think it will be taken seriously by both of them.

“And a good Fury beats a good Usyk in a good, very close fight and a tough fight.

“I think Fury is undoing his work and tying him up. I’m not sure he’ll get the break.

“I just think Fury’s size will be a problem. I don’t think Usyk can get that reach against the 6′ 9 Fury.’

Froch (R) says Tyson Fury should prepare for showdown with Oleksandr Usyk (L)

Fury and Usyk have signed contracts to set up an undisputed heavyweight championship fight in Saudi Arabia.

Fury will face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in October and in his next bout he will face Usyk to unify the WBC, IBF, WBO and WBA heavyweight titles.

The fight will take place in Saudi Arabia, but no date has been confirmed yet.

ESPN have reported that the fight could take place on December 23 or in January next year.