Oleksandr Usyk has been receiving advice from two of the greatest heavyweights of the past 20 years ahead of a potential undisputed clash with Tyson Fury.
The Ukrainian revealed he has been in close dialogue with countrymen Wladimir and Vitaly Klitschko who have both provided the unified heavyweight world champion with guidance as he navigates the upper echelons of the blue ribbon division.
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, he said:
“I have been talking to both of them of course. Wladimir supports me with advices about the sport and the techniques, and Vitali supports me with advice about life, and the sport of course.
“I listen to it carefully, and I decide what to use. Me and my team determine the strategy.”
Wladimir’s long lasting championship reign came to an end at the hands of Fury back in 2015, so it could be argued there are few better placed to offer pointers to Usyk for a meeting with ‘The Gypsy King.’
The two top heavyweights came face to face last weekend after Fury’s stoppage win over Derek Chisora, as Usyk arose from the London crowd to the ring apron and sent excitement for a four belt unification into overdrive.
Talks for a fight between Fury and Usyk are said to be progressing well, with a date at either the end of February or early March being touted by those around the fight.
Fury’s promoter Frank Warren has admitted the contest will likely land wherever it generates the most revenue, and a lucrative site fee offer from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is rumoured to have been received.
After fans suffered the bitter disappointment of the collapse in talks for Fury to face Anthony Joshua this year, the first undisputed heavyweight title fight in over two decades would almost certainly restore some much needed goodwill to the sport.