Oleskandr Usyk laughed off excuses that Tyson Fury found their first fight too easy and promised him a

 

Oleksandr Usyk Warns Tyson Fury Not to Be “Afraid” Ahead of Rematch

Oleksandr Usyk, the heavyweight division’s first undisputed champion in almost 25 years, has responded to Tyson Fury’s claims that he lost their fight in May because he found it “too easy”. Usyk, who beat Fury via a split decision, laughed off the Brit’s comments, warning him not to be “afraid” ahead of their rematch scheduled for December 21 in Saudi Arabia.

 

Fury’s Claims

 

In a June interview, Fury insisted that he thought he won the fight, but lost due to finding it “too easy” before being knocked down in the ninth round. Fury claimed that he was “enjoying it too much and messing around”, allowing Usyk to deliver a late onslaught.

 

Usyk’s Response

 

Usyk, speaking in an exclusive interview with Sky News at the Ukrainian embassy in London, responded to Fury’s comments, saying: “Oh my god, no way! Okay, no problem. The next fight will be easy [for him too]. For me, my fight will be hard because Tyson Fury is a big man, a good boxer, with a good boxing IQ. But if Tyson says for him it will be easy, ok, no problem.”

 

 

Usyk’s Confidence

 

Usyk, who will carry a 22-0 record into the rematch, expressed confidence in his abilities, saying: “I see for Tyson Fury, I see for the eyes of Tyson Fury, it’s not easy. It will be hard, very, very hard. Tyson, don’t be afraid – I will not leave you alone.”

 

Referee’s Decision

 

Usyk also addressed the controversy surrounding the referee’s decision to step in and deliver a standing count when he was perhaps just a punch away from ending the contest. Usyk said: “For me, it doesn’t matter… Every referee, it’s a professional guy. The referee does his job. Maybe my last punch would be dangerous for Tyson Fury. It’s good. Tyson has a big family, I have a big family.”

 

Injury Denial

 

Usyk also reiterated his camp’s claims that he did not suffer a broken jaw during the fight, as Fury continued to claim was the case. Usyk said: “No, not break my jaw… Yes, I have a little bit of a problem but I have problems with my fist, my back, my whole body because it’s a hard fight, 47 minutes.”

 

Fury Compared to a Yeti

 

Usyk compared Fury to a yeti, saying: “You see Tyson Fury, he’s like a yeti. It’s hard. My face is good, beautiful.” The rematch between Usyk and Fury promises to be an exciting encounter, with both fighters confident in their abilities.