‘I GET PUMPED FOR SUCH THINGS’ – USYK EXPECTS A TOUGH REMATCH FROM FURY

Oleksandr Usyk does not expect the December 21 rematch with Tyson Fury to be easier.

Usyk won the first fight in a split decision to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. It was Fury’s first loss, as Usyk became a two-weight undisputed champion following his feats at cruiserweight. Usyk dominated the fight, aside from the middle rounds, as he almost stopped Fury in round nine.

The referee intervened with a standing eight count just when Usyk was going for the finish. After having shared 12 rounds with him, Usyk still expects a tough fight. The Ukrainian admitted Fury was his hardest fight, as he was giving up 40 pounds going into the ring.

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He also had a seven-inch reach disadvantage. This time around, Usyk will go into the fight as the favorite. There is a different pressure, knowing that Fury performs best when he is the underdog. But Usyk is preparing for a much tougher fight.

“No, it won’t be easier. I think it will be even more difficult. Look. I always set myself up for a hard night, never an easy one. I’m expecting the cosmos that will crush me so only my eyes will see what happening. I get pumped for such things. I don’t think that it will be easier for me, but I don’t need it to be easier. Diamonds cannot be found in easy, because they are not there. You cannot succeed without hard work, everything that is given easily does not grow,” Usyk said

Usyk’s comments do have some credence. If Fury comes out second best again, it will confirm the narrative that he is not the best heavyweight of his era. He infamously referred to Usyk as a blown-up middleweight. Usyk lost to Shawn Porter in the amateurs in that weight class. Further, derogatory comments included rabbit, playing into the narrative that Fury would impose his size on Usyk, who would be running.

Fury even went further, saying he would retire if he lost to Usyk. While he has not done so, it could happen with another loss to Usyk. There is plenty on the line as a Fury fight against Anthony Joshua is possible.

The Saudis have said they want to make that fight next. In order for the demand to remain, Fury must beat Usyk, while Joshua must overcome Daniel Dubois on September 21. That sets up the narrative for an undisputed fight between Fury and Joshua. But Usyk has his views, as he could give Joshua a third fight if the results play out that way.

“I don’t particularly want any rematches, but when we beat Tyson Fury for the second time and when Anthony Joshua beats Daniel Dubois, of course they will want to do a third fight. From my point of view, I have no right to deny Anthony a third fight because he gave me two incredible fights. Anthony helped me become even more famous in the world. Anthony did it, and if it happens with God’s help, then I am ready for a third fight with Anthony,” Usyk stated