Oleksandr Usyk says he may have some surprises in store for Tyson Fury
Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight titles in a rematch against Tyson Fury on Saturday, six months after the former cruiserweight champion upset Fury in Riyadh to win those belts and the since-vacated IBF title to become boxing’s first four-belt, undisputed champion.
Though the rematch doesn’t have that undisputed tag, it’s really no less a spectacle in the making, as Usyk (22-0, 14 KO) has only become a bigger star, and the story of Fury (34-1-1, 24 KO) seeking revenge is plenty big enough by itself.
Usyk said he expects a “great fight” and to once again win, and that he’s been happy with his conditioning ahead of the bout, saying he’s just north of 220 lbs at the moment after weighing in at 223½ for the first fight in May.
“I feel really good at my weight at 222 lbs,” he said. “I don’t feel too heavy, I don’t feel too light. I feel perfect.”
The Ukrainian also said he may have some surprises in store this weekend.
“My fans can expect something similar again, but we may switch a few things up a little bit,” he said. “My team and I have a few secrets for Saturday.”
“This is a big opportunity for me, for my country, and for the young people that look up to me and Tyson,” he added. “This is history! I want people 15 years later to remember when I fought and beat Tyson Fury twice in Riyadh.”
Usyk — usually shy about glorifying his own achievements — did say that he’s “definitely” ready to admit he’s a great fighter, but that he still doesn’t believe he’s the pound-for-pound best in the world.
“I think Terence Crawford is the number one fighter pound-for-pound,” he stated, remaining consistent.
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