The Ukrainian was close to knocking out his opponent in the ninth round
Holder of WBC, IBO, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles Alexander Usik (22-0, 14 KOs) said that he had no intention of harming the former WBC world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) in their first fight.
“I didn’t want to hurt him. I was just boxing. I don’t need to do this. I know what boxing is. I know that he will go home to his children and his wife. It’s bad when you hurt your opponent.”
“Do I think the referee could have stopped the fight? I don’t think about it. Would I have finished Fury if I had 20 more seconds in the ninth round? These are all just thoughts – if only,” Usyk said.
Let us remember that on the night of May 18-19, Usik inflicted the first defeat in his professional career on Tyson Fury in a fight that took place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). The victory was awarded to the Ukrainian by a split decision: 115-112, 113-114 and 114-113.
An agreement has been concluded between Usik and Fury for a re-fight. The “Gypsy King” has officially activated the rematch option. The second fight between Alexander and Tyson will take place on December 21, 2024 in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman said he would seek the introduction of video replays in this fight.
At the end of October, the first press conference and duel of the boxers’ views took place in London. Usik appeared in public to the song “Ave Maria” in the extravagant image of the hero of the computer game series Hitman. Fury came out to the song “Barbie Girl.” The event was hosted by legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer.
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.
