Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has commented for the first time about his upcoming mega fight against Tyson Fury. The Ukrainian doubts a possible fight date, admits to physical problems – and has a funny declaration of love for his rival up his sleeve.
The contracts have been signed: WBA/WBO/IBF world champion Usyk and WBC title holder Fury will soon determine the true, undisputed champion of all boxing classes in the Saudi capital Riyadh. It is unclear when the duel between the unbeaten champions will take place.
If the organizers from Saudi Arabia have their way, the bell will ring on December 23rd or January 2024, but in any case before next year’s Ramadan, which begins on March 10th.
Fury will have an exhibition fight against former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Riyadh on October 28th. If the “Gypsy King” doesn’t suffer any serious injuries, he could get into the ring against Usyk before the end of the year.
“I would like to know the exact date and venue. Knowing that helps me start preparing. I understand that it is important and necessary to promote the fight – that is part of the show. But if I date and location, I can put the helmet on, close the visor and get started,” said the 36-year-old in a video on his YouTube channel.
Asked if he thought it was realistic for the fight to take place on December 23, Usyk replied: “No, I don’t. I would like it in December, but there is no certainty.”
Boxing: “Not everything is okay” with Usyk
The Ukrainian admitted that he was no longer the youngest and that he had suffered a few aches and pains from his fight against the Briton Daniel Dubois. “I can’t say everything is okay. But I’m fine. A few old wounds, old injuries that need to heal. Everything is under control. I do my training sessions every day, but I need 14 weeks for mine Camp. That would be enough time for me.”
Usyk defeated Dubois by ninth-round TKO on August 26 in Breslau and defended his title for the second time. At the end of September, he and Fury signed the contracts for the showdown for all world titles, which had fallen through in the spring.
Usyk sent out his usual funny message to his rival. “I just love this guy with his cool stomach,” the world champion alluded to Fury’s chatter.