Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury recently came face to face ahead of their undisputed fight on February 17.
The fight has been a year in the making but had one final hurdle put in its way back in October. That came when former MMA star turned boxing novice, Francis Ngannou, managed to push Fury hard over 10 rounds and even knock him down in the third.
The split decision points win left Fury bruised, both literally and metaphorically, and he took extra time to recover meaning the original date of December 23 was pushed back.
Now, February has been officially announced for the first heavyweight undisputed fight in 24 years. It will be Usyk’s second four-belt clash having swept up all the belts in the cruiserweight division.
When the pair came together to formally confirm it would go ahead, Fury used the opportunity to hurl insults at the Ukrainian and forced security to hold him back during the face-off.
Speaking to Boxing King Media, Usyk praised on Fury’s ability to perform at a press conference.
“Listen, I think, Tyson, he’s number one for press conferences. A lot of speak. I can’t over-talk him, I try, but for me I think it’s not possible. Tyson is first man who blah blah blah blah blah. It’s good. I respect Tyson, Tyson’s team, yeah. That’s the way I live.”
He then said, however, that he is always ready to fight and will stand his ground when confronted.
“But Tyson Fury touch me. I was like hey, listen I’m ready to fight, always, every night, every time. But a press conference, it’s like a show, but if you want to push me, I not stay relaxed. Don’t touch me please. We speak in the ring.”