Heavyweight Champion of the World, Oleksandr Usyk, has released an exclusive interview in which he discusses the potential fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, as well as claiming Fury is ‘afraid’ of him.
Usyk rose to greatness with an undisputed and undefeated campaign in the cruiserweight division. Now, his plans to do the same at heavyweight have slowed slightly.
Following a second successive victory over Joshua, the path seemed clear for Usyk to face Fury and crown an undisputed champion. He wanted early next year, while Fury demanded December. Because of the disagreement, ‘The Gypsy King’ called out ‘AJ’, who has seemed to grab the opportunity with both hands.
Asked what might happen should the all-British fight be made, Usyk answered basically before going on to say that it’s not the fight fans want.
“Well, if they sign the contract they will punch each other for a while. The thing is that everyone is expecting Usyk-Fury fight for the undisputed championship, which, for many years, hasn’t occurred in the heavyweight division.”
“Despite his [Fury’s] toughness and how he is generally described, he is afraid [of me].
Continuing on the subject, the interviewer asked who he would be supporting in the fight, given that he would likely face the winner for all the belts.
“I will support neither of them. I won’t even watch this fight. Don’t want to. Ok, just joking. I will even go there to watch live how they throw punches at each other.
Finally, the Ukrainian who has been supporting his country throughout Russia’s invasion, revealed his real priority – and it’s far from the boxing ring.
“Honestly, I don’t think about them [Fury and Joshua] at all. Want to know what I’m really thinking about? I want to see my children, hug and kiss them. That’s all what I’m thinking about.”
It’s unclear when Usyk will be back in the ring, although there’s little doubt that he is going to be sooner or later. Should the Fury – AJ fight go ahead this year, he has expressed an interest in facing former-champion and knockout artist, Deontay Wilder.