Oleksandr Usyk has taken another pop at Tyson Fury, this time regrading the one thing Usyk believes his heavyweight rival is scared of.
Fans are still holding out hope they will finally see an historic undisputed clash between Fury and Usyk towards the end of the year, with plans reportedly afoot to stage the contest in Saudi Arabia.
When speaking to Vringe, although Usyk was complimentary of ‘The Gyspy King’s skills inside the squared circle, he claims Fury is “very afraid” of tasting defeat for the first time.
“He’s a big man who has very good abilities in boxing and in life… but this big man is very afraid of losing.”
Usyk’s comments are no doubt a result of the collapse in talks for the undisputed fight earlier this year, which most observers believe Fury was responsible for.
Despite months of negotiations and numerous assurances the legacy defining clash would indeed go ahead, issues regarding purse splits and potential rematch clauses proved to be too much to overcome, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of boxing fans across the world.
Skills Challenge Entertainment have made no secret of their desire to stage Fury vs Usyk on the same night as Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder, in what would be arguably the biggest night in the sport’s history.
It remains unclear whether or not Fury will have a fight in the interim, whilst Usyk will likely have to take care of WBA mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois, who has just this week split from trainer Shane McGuigan.
The WBA confirmed that purse bids for the fight will take place on May 25th.