Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are set for the biggest fight not only of their careers, but perhaps in boxing across the board.
There hasn’t been an undisputed heavyweight since the days of Lennox Lewis, but that’s set to change come February 17 when Fury puts his WBC title against Usyk’s IBF, WBO and WBA to crown the first four-belt champion of the division.
Given the magnitude of the contest, set for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, both men are expected to put everything into their respective camps.
That’s something Egis Klimas, manager of Usyk, believes isn’t the case with the Brit. He shared a video on social media showing Fury in a promotional clip for an activity and experience company in Saudi.
Alongside the video, Klimas said “When one is playing around another training hard. We will see you February 17th.”
When one is playing around another training hard. We will see you February 17th. https://t.co/jqKkEWzumN
— Egis Klimas (@KlimasBoxing) December 8, 2023
Whilst it’s unclear when the video was produced, it’s the second time this year some in boxing have accused Fury of not preparing diligently – something the man himself disputes.
‘The Gypsy King’ welcomed former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou to the ring in October, and it was largely perceived as an easy night’s work beforehand.
Whilst Fury took the split-decision win over ten, the below-par performance caused many in the sport to alter their prediction for the Usyk fight.
With Christmas and the New Year slap bang in the middle of training, both men will have to make considerable sacrifices to ensure they are ready come fight night.