Tyson Fury Acknowledges a Formidable Opponent in Oleksandr Usyk

The Cinco de Mayo draw is also over. The focus of the boxing world would be undeniably on the ‘Ring of Fire’. It’s the battle for the undisputed championship. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will square up at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Arena, on May 18. It was initially scheduled for February 17 early this year. However, the match met with cancellation and subsequent postponement on account of Fury receiving a sparring injury.

The big fight follows months of discussion, talks, and verbal jousting between the two sides. So it might have come as a surprise to many that ‘The Gypsy King’ discussed the challenges that lie ahead of him and showered praise on his rival. The winner of the fight will be the heavyweight division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis sat on the throne 25 years ago. So what happened with Fury’s flash of insight?

Warriors Respect Each Other: Tyson Fury Talks About Oleksandr Usyk 

The WBC heavyweight champion was in discussion with Queensbury Promotions‘ Dev Sahni. So, many consider the Ukrainian boxer very tricky to deal with inside the ring. Hence Sahni asked, “So Alexander Usyk, then I mean, uh, he’s a southpaw; he’s tricky, a a lot of other guys find him very, very tricky. There’s no blueprint really on how to beat him cuz he’s unbeaten. Are you expecting a tricky fight?”

Now as far as boxing goes, Usyk may not be able to hoodwink him, Tyson Fury confirmed. However, when it boils down to fighting, the unified heavyweight champion stands on a different pedestal. “Usyk’s a bad man; you know he’s a real bad man, um and and any underestimation of Alexander Usyk, you’d be a mug, so I’m training hard for him; I’m doing everything I can,” said Fury.

Tyson Fury appreciated the fact that, just like him, Oleksandr Usyk is also a god-fearing family man. He revealed the respect he has for the former’s career. He said, “He’s been Olympic champion; he’s had 350 amateur fights or something, and he’s been an undisputed cruiserweight champion, and he’s he’s been a unified heavyweight. Well, he is a unified heavyweight champion, so you have to respect that I’m not fighting; some guys had 14 and 111; you know I’m fighting the real deal as real deal as Holyfield.”

While looking at the bright side of his prospects, Tyson Fury understands Usyk’s technical prowess.

Embrace a Tough Challenge

Tyson Fury discussed how Usyk is a southpaw with good footwork. He boxes really well, and that syncs with his expertise. He has proved his worth by going against heavyweights such as Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. “I’m messing with an elite elite fighter who’s got more than boxing ability, and more than that, he’s stubborn, and he wants to win like I do,” said ‘The Gypsy King’.

The Mancunian admitted that ultimately the winner on May 18 will be the man who ‘wants it badly’. After all is said and done, they both stand on the same footing as far as talent, strengths, and weaknesses go. So further bickering over who is bigger or stronger doesn’t bode well and falls short.

The exchange might have surprised the Usyk fans. After all, in the past, ‘The Gypsy King’ never wasted any time taking potshots at his Ukrainian rival. Perhaps, as many have said before, a healthy regard for the opponent’s skills goes a long way toward keeping oneself realistic and humble.

Between Fury and Usyk, who is your favorite to win on May 18? Please share your views with us in the comments below.