Tyson Fury Reveals What Makes Oleksandr Usyk the Best Opponent He Has Ever Faced

The countdown to the biggest fight of the last two decades is on. In mere four days, either Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk will be crowned the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. However, is Usyk the most challenging opponent Fury has ever faced? The odds for the fight reveal, ‘The Gypsy King’ is a slight favorite, but what does Fury think?

In an interview with DAZN Boxing, shared on YouTube today, the Englishman suggested Usyk indeed is the best opponent he has ever faced. That begs the question, why? Why does Fury feel Usyk is his best opponent to date, having fought Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder? Here’s why!

Oleksandr Usyk sits at the top with an edge

Speaking to Fury, TV personality Ade Oladipo pressed Fury with the subject! In response, the WBC heavyweight champion said, “I think he’s the best opponent I’ve ever faced. Because I fought world heavyweight champions before, [and] fought undefeated people before. I [have] fought Olympic gold medalists before.” However, there’s a special sort of challenger Fury has never come across before, at least according to his statement. 

He continued, “But I’ve never fought a two-weight world champion before. So, I think that puts him at the top of it all.” ‘The Cat’ achieved the undisputed status in the cruiserweight division after defeating each champion in their home turf. And now, he aims to make Fury his latest victim! It’s an endeavor many can see him achieve, as the former undisputed cruiserweight champion demolished countless foes to get to where he is today! 

After defeating English boxing legend Tony Bellew in his last cruiserweight fight, it didn’t take long for the Ukrainian national to land a fight against Anthony Joshua. In their first heavyweight showdown, Usyk proved he could take on bigger men just as easily because of his skills. Following a spectacular win in the first Joshua fight, Usyk defeated Joshua in the second one so badly that many started doubting Joshua’s skills. However, that’s not the only reason Usyk is the perfect match for Fury. 

Tyson Fury should be wary of Usyk’s Cossack heritage

On his quest to become the next undisputed heavyweight champion, the 37-year-old seems to have been drawing inspiration from legendary warlord Ivan ‘The Wolf’ Sirko. Throughout the years, Usyk’s love for Cossack traditions has been especially evident through his attire, grooming, and cultural practices. 

Usyk’s deep connection to his Cossack roots shone brightly during a memorable face-off interview with Tyson Fury. The brash and loud mouth Fury had insulted Usyk for wearing an earring. Fury said, “A man who wears an earring can never beat Tyson Fury, ever. Not a chance, no-one who wears earrings can beat him.” 

In response, Usyk retorted, “I can explain about the earrings. It’s Ukrainian warrior, Cossack. They were the people who defended my country from our enemies for many years.” He also added, “This is just the proof of my Cossack lineage – they never lost to anybody. There is no beauty or fashion in this.”

Considering Usyk’s character, his accomplishments, his ambition, skills, there’s no denying that he is the perfect match for Tyson Fury. And come fight night, these two behemoths of boxing will collide to determine who will forever etch their name in the boxing history books. But what do you think? Who, in your opinion, is or was Fury’s best opponent?