The unification fight was postponed to May 18 due to Tyson’s injury
World champion according to WBO/WBA/IBF/IBO versions Alexander Usik told how he reacted to the postponement of the unification fight with the WBC title holder Tyson Fury.
“At this time I was at training. In sparring I received special instructions, but I did not understand what it was for. After him, Sergei Lapin came up to me and said that there was two news: one good, and the other very good. I grinned and went to finish it. A smile generally makes me kinder.”
“I don’t regret anything, I put a lot on the line. I was not with my wife when she gave birth to my fourth child, my second daughter. I haven’t been to two of my children’s birthdays, I haven’t been to all the family holidays that I always spend with my family.”
“I don’t know if I’m to blame for this, but I apologize that this happened. And as for the military, whom we invited to attend the battle on February 17, I will spend money again and they will come.”
“It’s impossible to shoot me down. I will be ready every time I step into the ring. May God give you strength for this. I will believe [в бой с Фьюри] when we stand in the ring and when the first round sounds.”
“He has a cut. This happens. Perhaps some people are defiant about defense. There are things we do before every sparring session to protect our faces: helmets, larger gloves, Vaseline. My opinion is that someone is just being impudent about this.
“There was a short conversation with Fury. I wished him a speedy recovery. He didn’t wish me anything.”
The fight for the absolute title was supposed to take place in Riyadh on February 17. However, two weeks before the fight with Usyk, Fury was injured during sparring. The Briton’s injury required stitches, due to which Tyson will not have time to recover for the fight with Alexander.
The new date for the fight between Usik and Fury is May 18. The fight will take place in Riyadh. Any of the boxers (both Tyson and Alexander) is obliged to pay 10 million dollars in case of refusal of a full-time fight. The contract also contains a revenge clause.
The Ukrainian team is thinking about holding the fight on February 17. A possible opponent for Usik instead of the injured Fury could be the mandatory contender for the IBF heavyweight belt, Filip Hrgovic.
Source: Sportarena
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
