Oleksandr Usyk has touched down at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to watch potential opponent, Tyson Fury, defend his WBC Heavyweight title against Derek Chisora.
The Ukrainian has made the journey with his promoter, Alex Krassyuk, who began discussions for the undisputed bout between his fighter and Fury even before the main event – perhaps a sign of how confident people in the sport are of the result.
The P4P No.1 @usykaa is in the building ?
George Warren and Usyk's Promoter Alex Krassyuk discuss making the blockbuster bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk ?#FuryChisora | Main Event at 9PM | BT Sport Box Office pic.twitter.com/UftWWPNg22
— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) December 3, 2022
Usyk’s visit will not only give him the opportunity to perhaps secure a handshake on the 2023 fight, but watch his foe up close and take notes. Fury has promised to trade big shots with Chisora in the middle of the ring from round one – a chance for the Ukrainian to check out the power ‘The Gypsy King’ possesses and start to form a game plan.
Despite the odds against Chisora, he has the grit to cause any heavyweight an uncomfortable spell. Usyk, of course, is well aware of the Finchley fighter’s attributes. The pair faced off in his second fight at heavyweight.
It was a win via unanimous decision for the Ukrainian, but one which some in the sport say has been his toughest test in the division. He managed to say hello to the challenger back stage.
Derek Chisora reuniting with former foe Oleksandr Usyk ahead of his fight vs Tyson Fury tonight…
[?️ @DerekWarChisora] pic.twitter.com/GRvoghRNi8
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) December 3, 2022
Usyk walked his countryman, Denys Berinchyk, to the ring and watched on closely in support as he won via unanimous decision. At ringside, he was perched next to veteran promoter and Fury’s man in the US, Bob Arum.
Should Fury come through Chisora as expected – and with no major cuts or injuries – the historic undisputed bout is being targeted for late February or early March in Saudi Arabia. Updates on behind the scenes talks have been positive so far, but there are few more unpredictable in the sport than ‘The Gypsy King.’
