Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are days away from a heavyweight rematch for the ages – and all respect from the Brit is not out the window.
Fury was served the first defeat of his career by Usyk back in May. The Ukrainian southpaw started and finished strong and was helped over the line by a magnificent ninth round in which he seriously hurt Fury. That all led to a split decision win on the scorecards.
The rematch clause was activated quickly, Usyk vacated the IBF belt to make it happen and now fight week is upon us. The two elite heavyweights will meet for Usyk’s WBC, WBA and WBO titles this Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Despite a good-natured exchange at the launch press conference last month, Fury has arrived in Saudi battle ready, refusing to do an open workout and answering every questions asked of him with either ‘pain’ or ‘hurt’.
He brought that same energy to the press conference face off where the pair stared each other down for over ten minutes straight. During that time, Fury berated the two-weight undisputed champion, calling him an ‘ugly rat b*****d’ amongst other insults. Usyk told the Brit, who he had out on his feet last time, ‘don’t be afraid’.
Close up audio of Usyk & Furys Faceoff. 🔊
All I have to say is he’s trying to convince himself. pic.twitter.com/NLGBdHr0gd
— . (@UsyksBurner) December 19, 2024
Commenting on the video on social media, one fan said Fury was clearly ‘rattled’. Another said he was ‘doing too much’ while Usyk was ‘as cool as a cucumber’.
This fight won’t be won or lost on mental warfare, however, rather stamina and skill. Both men had success first time out and, after twelve rounds sharer, the rematch will come down to who has made what adjustments.
