
via Imago
Kyiv, UKRAINE – April 18, 2015 : Oleksandr Usyk (Ukraine) in the ring during fight for WBO Inter-Continental cruiserweight title in the Palace of sport, Kiev

via Imago
Kyiv, UKRAINE – April 18, 2015 : Oleksandr Usyk (Ukraine) in the ring during fight for WBO Inter-Continental cruiserweight title in the Palace of sport, Kiev
Oleksandr Usyk stands on the cusp of making history. On February 17, in Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, he will meet Tyson Fury. The winner will become the heavyweight division’s first undisputed champion in 25 years. For Usyk, if he wins, the feat could prove more significant.
Between the years 2018 and 2019, ‘The Cat’ held the undisputed title in the cruiserweight class. Thus, a repeat, albeit in a different weight category, would put him in the select club that has so far had only two members (for men): Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue. The reigning unified heavyweight champion is leaving no stone unturned to prepare himself for the upcoming slugfest. A short clip of Usyk appearing fit as a fiddle and handling heavy kettlebells set the comment boxes on fire a few days ago. But in a twist of fate, an old photo of the champion came up on Twitter. Fans and followers didn’t waste time commenting on what they felt.
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Oleksandr Usyk: Committed to Victory
The throwback picture shows a very slimmed-down Usyk standing between the Klitschko brothers. Quite a few used it to throw jabs at what the champion would do at the upcoming mega-fight with Fury.
Soon after he finished off Tony Bellew, Oleksandr Usyk made his intentions for the next move clear. The world had to take notice in all seriousness when he inflicted his second career defeat on Anthony Joshua in front of a packed, home crowd. A year later, he defeated Joshua during the rematch too. After a year-long break, he returned in August last year to defend his titles against Daniel Dubois. Initially scheduled to take place in December, the fight with Fury got postponed to February.
As far as training goes, Usyk is known for engaging in some unusual and trying methods. Then details about some of his sparring partners also became public sometime ago. Speaking about the Klitschko brothers, reportedly, ‘The Cat’ sought their advice as talks of a fight with the WBC champion gained strength.
Bygone Era to Usyk Era
The Boxing Kingdom‘s tweet read, “Flashback to skinny Usyk.” So one of the first tongue-in-cheek responses came from this user, who employed deft wordplay to indicate how intimidating and menacing Usyk appeared.
Skinny Usyk looks like a dude with bodies buried on his property.
— Brandon Fedor (@authenticMrF) January 17, 2024
But the following user sounded skeptical. Worried about Usyk’s threshold to absorb the deadly body shots from Fury, they believe the referee would intervene to protect the Ukrainian champion.
His frame won't withstand decent body work , time and time again it's been proved.
I expect the ref to protect him vs fury .— Join me on The dark side (@JoinmeonThedar1) January 17, 2024
However, this user differed. According to them, it would be a routine fight for Usyk when he steps against Fury. Thereafter, he can punish Deontay Wilder the whole distance in their bout or call out AJ for a trilogy.
Hes gonna have an normal night against washed fury, then pull wilder fight and slap him up for 12 rounds. then aj rematch
— #IStandWithThePBA (@GusFringBoxing) January 17, 2024
Then, according to this user, the perennial clincher Klitschko (they didn’t specify the brother) couldn’t reign in Oleksandr Usyk. So how could anyone expect Fury, who seems to follow similar tactics, to succeed? Then the user shared how Klitschko (again, not specified) had to send the former cruiserweight champion back. So without any doubt, the latter is going to damage ‘The Gypsy King.’
If master clincher Klinchko couldn't even clinch Usyk, how will Luke? Klitschko kicked Usyk out of training camp because Usyk was schooling him so bad. Usyk going to do a number on Fury.
— joe (@joe0030070) January 17, 2024
Finally, this follower seems to be partying to some in-camp news. According to them, Oleksandr Usyk is in the best shape and ready for the battle. Hence, they warned users not to be surprised if Fury puts on any act of injury to get out of the fight.
Not now! News from his training camp is he is ready and at the peak of human capabilities strength and fitness wise, don't be surprised if Fury fakes and injury 🙂 pic.twitter.com/euCF4qCMC2
— James D Magee (@jamesdavidmagee) January 17, 2024
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Clearly, it’s one of those fights where it’s genuinely challenging to predict the winner. But whoever wins will make history. However, at the same time, he might have to set off for another battle soon. In March, Anthony Joshua will take on Francis Ngannou. So per the latest update, the winner of the February title bout will have to defend the titles from the winner of the March clash. All in all, without an iota of doubt, fans are in for a gala time right from the beginning of the year, watching two of the most coveted matches.
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What’s your take on the February 17 fight? Who will be the winner? Please share your views with us in the comments below.
Watch This Story: Oleksandr Usyk Net Worth: Five Biggest Fight Purse
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