Wladimir Klitschko is backing Oleksandr Usyk to beat Tyson Fury when they rematch live this Saturday. Sky Sports box office.
Boxing legend Klitschko has been linked with a surprise return to the sport to win the world heavyweight title at a record 48 years old.
It was Fury who defeated the Ukrainian star in 2015 when he became the unified heavyweight champion for the first time.
A rematch didn’t happen the following year, but while Klitschko may consider fighting Fury for a world title, he will never catch his countryman Usyk.
Klitschko also told Sky SportsOleksandr Usik is going to retire me.
“That’s not going to be good. I’m going to stay retired. He’s going to keep me retired.”
Klitschko has not boxed since his loss to Anthony Joshua in 2017. But despite being one of Ukraine’s most prominent international lawyers, he insists he has remained in good shape.
“I remember Alexander called me at the end of March this year, on my birthday, and said: “Champion, I wish you a happy birthday and may your dream of becoming the world’s oldest champion come true.”
“I said: Alexander, what are you talking about, your fight is about to go, you are preparing, keep me retired.”
“So he promised. “I’m going to do it, I’m going to keep it (the championship), but I wish you that.”
Klitschko believes Usyk will be able to retain the WBC, WBO and WBA world titles when he fights Fury this weekend.
“Olexander is going to repeat history,” Klitschko insisted. “It’s going to be deja vu. That’s actually what’s happening. It’s just the same feeling and it’s the same.
“It’s all about strategy, it’s all about technique.”
Klitschko is completely in awe of Usyk and has been in contact with his fellow Ukrainian for a long time.
“I remember when Oleksandr won the tournament as a teenager, this amateur tournament he was in, and he became the champion. So now I look up to him. Wonderful life,” said Klitschko.
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During the rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21, Oleksandr Usyk was accompanied by a live performance.
“We’ll keep our fingers crossed that this time he’ll show that he’s the baddest man on the planet, Oleksandr Usik.”
– Usyk is unbreakable.
Usyk and Fury square off for the second time at Saturday’s Riyadh Season event at the Kingdom Arena.
In May, Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world in a split decision over Fury, making him the undisputed ruler of two weight divisions and the first heavyweight to achieve that status since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
Although Fury is determined to avenge his first professional loss and beat Usyk, Thursday’s press conference saw the two meet for the first time in fight week, and neither man would allow himself to blink, let alone take an intense look.
It went on for over 11 minutes before they finally let themselves out.
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Tyson Fury broke the ice after his fight with Alexander Usyk by joining a traditional Saudi dance.
“It went the distance,” said promoter Alex Krasiuk Sky Sports face it afterwards.
He doesn’t believe the Usyk-Fury fight will do it on its own, though, and tells Usyk to finish it soon.
“I think it will end at a distance,” Krasyuk said. “I expect him (Fury) to be better prepared, much better prepared for this one.
“So conditioning is not an issue in this fight. Technically, Usyk is better, but size is certainly in Tyson’s favor, but what gives you the win?”
At that time, Krasyuk showed his head and heart.
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Tyson Fury broke the ice after his fight with Alexander Usyk by joining a traditional Saudi dance.
Then he added: “You can’t break Oleksandr Usyk, he will never go away when it comes to fighting.
“It was like a full 12-rounder for me,” the promoter said, describing the press conference.
“Mentally, this is something that helps you win. Mental strength. Usik has psychic powers. It doesn’t matter if he is in bad shape or in good shape, he finds a way to win. He invents the way to win.
“That’s why Tyson is nervous.”
The epic heavyweight fight between Alexander Usyk and Tyson Fury will be live on Saturday, December 21st. Sky Sports box office. Book Usyk v Fury 2 now!
