Oleksandr Usyk responds to Anthony Joshua apology ahead of…….

Oleksandr Usyk has expressed his respect for Anthony Joshua, stating that he didn’t require an apology from the British boxer ahead of his upcoming fight with Tyson Fury next month.

 

In August 2022, Usyk secured victory over Joshua in Saudi Arabia, following a previous win against the 34-year-old at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. After the bout, Joshua controversially threw some of Usyk’s belts, prompting discussion.

 

Addressing the incident in February of the following year, Joshua apologized, acknowledging his imperfections and expressing regret for his actions. However, Usyk, speaking to Seconds Out, emphasized his respect for Joshua, indicating that he didn’t harbor ill feelings and didn’t need an apology.

 

“I don’t have bad feelings about Joshua because I respect this man,” Usyk said. “He’s a great man. He’s a great boxer, an Olympic champion, and two-time world champion. I think it’s emotion. I respect this man. No, I’m good.”

 

Looking ahead to his clash with Fury, Usyk exudes confidence in his ability to emerge victorious. The highly anticipated matchup marks the first heavyweight showdown since the era of Lennox Lewis. Despite Fury’s upbeat demeanor and his assertions of supremacy, Usyk believes in his chances and envisions a future fight in Ukraine.

 

“Not if, when?,” he remarked regarding his return to his homeland if he defeats Fury twice. “I want to do a fight in Ukraine at the big stadium, Olimsky. My goal is to make a fight in a stadium. I think I [will] do it.”

 

In addition, Usyk shared his perspective on the upcoming bout between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson. Despite criticism from figures like Eddie Hearn and Ricky Hatton, who have voiced concerns about the matchup, Usyk believes that the criticism is unwarranted. He doesn’t see any issue with the fight and acknowledges its potential as entertainment.

 

“Listen, listen, it just shows, Tyson is a big, big famous man, who is well known around the world,” Usyk commented. “Yeah, Jake Paul is a young guy who won at boxing who wants to help young guys, but it’s a big show. If people want to see the show, OK, give it to them. For me, I think it’s OK.”

The highly anticipated Fury vs Usyk fight is scheduled to take place in Riyadh on May 18. With Fury boasting 34 wins out of 35 fights and Usyk undefeated in all 21 of his bouts, anticipation for the showdown is at an all-time high.