Oleksandr Usyk Appeals to Tyson Fury for Undisputed Match!
When it comes to the heavyweight division, the fight that everyone wants to see is a showdown between unified champ Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) and WBC champion Tyson Fury (32-0-1, 23 KOs) for the undisputed heavyweight title.
MAKING IT PLAIN
Following his win over two-time unified champ Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs) in their rematch in August 2022, Usyk said that fighting Fury is his top priority. During an exclusive interview with media source Seconds Out, Usyk re-iterated that the WBC champ is who he wants to fight.
“Regarding Tyson Fury, he’s a very good athlete. He’s a nice sportsman who I respect. But he’s not as cool as he used to talk about himself.
I want to make one more clearance. We had the plan to fight Tyson Fury, and this is our biggest priority at this moment. So, with the help of God, this fight will happen if Tyson defeats his opponent now, Dereck Chisora, and Tyson Fury will be my next opponent.”
During various interviews, Usyk has also expressed an interest in facing ex-WBC champ, Deontay Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs). But the unified champion clarified his previous statements. While there is intrigue in facing the hard-hitting Wilder, Fury is first and foremost.
The two current heavyweight champions have established themselves as the best in the division. Following Usyk-Joshua II, Fury repeatedly went on social media bashing Usyk, claiming that he would be easy work. Fury’s co-promoter, Frank Warren, has publicly stated that he’s optimistic the fight could happen in February of 2023.
ALLOW THE UNIFIED CHAMP TO RETORT
Usyk disputes Warren’s timeline, as he needs time to heal and recover from his last fight. However, becoming the undisputed champ is something of great importance. Doing so is rarified air in this sport. It’s a sign that you are the elite of the elite. Given that context, he is making his plea for the fight and has a message for the ebullient, trash-talking Fury.
“I’m appealing to Tyson Fury. Hey, Tyson, borracho (Spanish for alcoholic/drunk/drunkard), let’s make it happen. Let’s make this present for the boxing fans. Let’s determine who is the best in the division, who’s the best in the world.”
Usyk doubling down on the fact he wants his next fight to be against Fury should excite fans. The question now becomes: if or when will it happen? Fans and pundits alike, fingers are crossed that it happens at some point next year.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
