Tyson Fury’s eerie reaction as Oleksandr Usyk makes sick rematch admission
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk went face-to-face in a tense video interview ahead of their heavyweight rematch, with the latter making a sickening admission about his preparation
Oleksandr Usyk has admitted that the build-up to big fights makes him feel sick, while Tyson Fury remains unfazed. The two are set for a rematch in December after their initial bout in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
In February, Usyk defended his WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles against WBC champion Fury, aiming to become the undisputed heavyweight champion. Usyk knocked Fury down in the ninth round and won by split decision, achieving the status of undisputed champion, a title last held by Lennox Lewis, although he had to give up his IBF title by June.
The rematch is scheduled for December 21 in Riyadh, with Fury keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of the fight. During a video interview with Fury, Usyk expressed his love for the fight itself rather than the training process to TNT Sports: “When I come the ring, I live there. Tyson too I think,” which Fury acknowledged with a nod.
Usyk continued, “When fighters go to the ring, there is more life. Preparation (gagging noise), training (gagging noise) – watch us fight.”
Despite Usyk’s comments on the tough lead-up to the fight, Fury remained still and silent, simply staring into the camera as Usyk played down the importance of the gruelling preparation and training for such an important match, reports the Mirror US.
“I was scared of him,” Fury joked, adding with a laugh, “That’s why I didn’t look at him,” His comments came as he offered a light-hearted reason for avoiding eye contact during a replay of the weigh-in before their last fight.
As footage rolled showing Fury goading Usyk by the ropes, he exclaimed, “It was great, brilliant, you know I enjoyed it, 35,000 inside Riyadh Season, it was unbelievable and a great experience to be in there. It was a lot of fun.”
Usyk, when asked if Fury’s silence during their face-off signified respect, responded assuredly, “Listen, I’m respect. I know Tyson, for me, respect.”
Speaking about his emotions entering the ring against Fury, Usyk stated simply in his native tongue, “Just calm.”
Reflecting on video clips of an injured Fury, Usyk commented, “I didn’t want to damage him. I know the game of boxing. After the fight, he would go back to his family. For this reason, there’s no need to hurt him.”
With both fighters gearing up for their next battle, Usyk is currently favoured, ready to defend his array of titles. Nevertheless, with the air of strategy surrounding Fury, spectators are left wondering if he has a surprise in store for their imminent showdown.
