‘GREEDY BELLY, YOU’RE MY FRIEND’ – USYK TROLLS FURY’S TRAINING FOR THE REMATCH

Oleksandr Usyk reacted to Tyson Fury’s training ahead of their rematch on December 21. 

Usyk defeated Fury to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the world. Despite winning via a split decision, Usyk dominated the fight. Fury’s only good rounds were the middle parts of the fight. Usyk almost knocked out Fury in round nine, only for the referee to impose a standing eight count when Uysk was going to the finish.

Fury refused to accept the loss, saying Usyk made the decision due to the war in Ukraine. He referred to Usyk as an amateur boxer. The rematch offers the chance for redemption. However, it will not be undisputed as Usyk vacated the IBF belt. Fury has been putting in the work early. The following footage shows Fury after a run. He then stated the following.

Fury Reacts

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Tyson Fury: “I just finished a little bit of a run on the bay with the lads, working away, chipping away nicely. December 21st, Usyk, you’re on notice. Come on.”

In contrast, Usyk has been taking things much easier since the win. Usyk is starring in the new film Smashing Machine alongside The Rock. He will play the character of Ukrainian kickboxer Igor ‘Ice Cold’ Vovchanchyn. He has already made an impression with Johnson and Snoop Dogg, who came to visit him on set.

The Ukrainian also attended the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Usyk was vocal about the state of amateur boxing, with worries it could get scraped from the Olympics. Usyk won an Olympic Gold in London 2012 and went professional a year later. The importance of the Olympics showed as Usyk became undisputed at cruiserweight and heavyweight. The Ukrainian was not happy with the standards.

“For many years, there has been a desire to change the boxing system, which is rotten on an international level. So, we just need to work. No promises need to be made; we need to act. When you do this, people see the work done and come to you, asking to collaborate. But I think boxing will be in the Olympic Games. We are at war. But our athletes still came. They are fighting,” Usyk said

Although Fury was pushing the limits with his training, Usyk was unfazed.

Oleksandr Usyk: “Hey, my friend, ‘Greedy Belly,’ continue training. I’m ready, brother. I know your hard work is good. I appreciate it. Thank you so much, ‘Greedy Belly.’ You’re my friend. You are my friend.”

The rematch is pivotal for both. Another win for Usyk may be enough for him to walk away from the sport. His team has already hinted at a crossover fight. Conor McGregor has been mentioned as an opponent in BKFC. There is also the chance that Usyk will drop back down to cruiserweight. However, that is unlikely, as he would have to lose much weight.

This would be more difficult at this stage of his career now that he is 37. Meanwhile, another loss for Fury will leave question marks over where he goes next. Although there is the Anthony Joshua fight, it will not be as big as it would have been. Either way, there is plenty on the line come fight night.