Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are just two weeks out from facing off, and in doing so will crown the heavyweight division’s first all-ruling champion since Lennox Lewis
However, speaking to DAZN, Fury made it clear that fighting for the undisputed world title – the first opportunity to do so in over two decades – meant nothing more than his previous fights.
“This is no more important than any of the other fights I’ve had before. To me anyway. To him it might mean something much more special, I don’t know. I’ve never spoke to him about it.”
Usyk has been clear that becoming a two-time four-belt champion is his goal in the sport. For Fury, the fight, hosted by Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia, is more about the financial reward than the legacy it brings.
“I’m just telling you the truth. The truth is, it’s exciting to me and attractive because of the amount of money I’m getting paid not because of the belts that’s on the line. If you ever get time to come to Morecambe when you’re passing, nip into my front room, I’ll show you 26, 27 belts that don’t see the daylight.”
“When you’re a young person and you haven’t won anything and you win a Central Area title, or an English title, or an Irish title, it’s everything to you. Wow. But I’m 35-years-old with an army of children and been to hell and back. Why do I care about belts in a cupboard anymore?”
“It’s like walking up Everest ten times. First time would’ve been fantastic, but when you’ve done it lots of times … does it really matter anymore? … This is professional boxing. If it wasn’t about making money, as much as you can… We’re prize fighters. We’re pugilists. We’re like high-paid escorts. You’ve got a very short window to earn as much money as possible.”
Fury and Usyk face off on February 17, both earning mega-money but just one leaving the ring with all four heavyweight belts.