Some horrific news emerged from Tyson Fury over night following the latest press conference for Usyk 2.
Fury will be the challenger in the rematch for the first time in a long time when he bids to get his belts back December 21st in Saudi Arabia.
He’s already lost some weight so he’s serious, clearly, however it was widely reported his wife had a miscarriage earlier in the year right before the first fight with Usyk.
The couple losing the life of an unborn baby boy in tragic circumstances. Putting into context maybe his below par performance on the night.
Speaking at the presser Fury spoke at length:
“Here he is, the reigning and defending, universally recognized heavyweight world champion, Alexander (Usyk). It’s actually been about four and a half years since the Wilder 2 fight. Last time, I was the underdog in these fights.
What’s going through my mind? I’m just looking forward to a fantastic fight. You know, last time in May, it was a fantastic fight. Alexander won fair and square.
I’m just looking to put on a great fight again. You know, it was very close last time—I lost by a point. With a little more focus and a bit less complacency, I should be able to do what I need to do. Nothing drastic has to change—just a bit more of the same and a little more focus, and I believe I will be victorious.
Eddie Hearn here from Matchroom, who was on the Tyson Fury side of the table. Eddie, you were there. What’s going on in this building? How excited are you?
Ed: “Here I am, at your table. You must have a chirp about me being on your side, I tell you! Thanks to Frank (Warren, Fury’s promoter) and Spencer (Brown, Fury’s manager) for inviting me out. I do feel like a bit of a competition winner. Sorry, Alexander.”
I mean, look, whoever wins, I’ll be fair and honest, as always. Whoever wins on the 21st, I’ll be on their side after, you know. My rematches with people always end up one way—I always knock them out in the rematch. Whoever I’ve faced more than once has been knocked out in the rematch, so I’m envisioning something similar in the second fight with Usyk.
All I can do is prepare well, train hard, eat well, go to bed early, wake up early, and do the right things. I’ll listen to the people around me, and the rest is in God’s hands.
Last time in May wasn’t my time to win, or else the Almighty would have given me the victory. I’m very happy that Usyk got the decision because God’s timing is perfect—it’s neither late nor imperfect. That was meant to be, and we’re going to find out what’s meant to be on December 21st. I believe it’ll be my time this time.
I believe that everything that happens, whether negative or positive, is a lesson we must learn from. We can only do the best we can as human beings, boxers, fathers, husbands—everything. All we know how to do best is go in there and fight, put on a show for the paying customer. I hope you all enjoy this fight as much as I will.
What’s in the briefcase, Alexander?
It’s just… character. Go on, who’s thinking about it?Yes, to confirm, this is a photograph of the first fight. Alexander Usyk is asking Tyson Fury to sign it.
It’s like Shrek. It’s a picture of me taking a big left to the jaw—it’s a nice one.Alexander, if you’d like to show it, please do. You’ll find it tomorrow on eBay! [Laughter]
There you go, signed and sealed by Alexander.
Tell me, do you need to do anything differently than what you did in the first fight, or was it all just okay?
One of the comments out there was that Tyson had too many voices in the corner. Some said he needs to make changes, do this, do that. But I understand it’s very much the same team and the same dream, right?Yes, what is going on with Tyson Fury and Alexander Usyk? Were there any surprises from Tyson Fury the first time?
Of course, there were a lot of surprises.
What were these surprises, Alexander?
I don’t remember.Let’s fire that question over to Tyson Fury. Did anything surprise you about Alexander Usyk?
Guess what? I don’t remember either.Okay, nobody remembers the first fight! I certainly remember it—it was a great fight in May this year, and they’re going to do it again on December 21st.
I’d like to get a message here, but I’m not sure what I’ll get. Tyson, do you have a message for Alexander Usyk staring down the table? You’ve signed a poster for him—anything else?
No.And Alexander, final word to you, champ—what is your message to Tyson Fury? [Laughter]
Yes, the switch of him from the fun guy to that menacing stare—he can just flip it on. Absolutely, Tyson Fury greeted it with a smile.
We were asking Fabio earlier about the psychology of rematches before we went to the main press conference. It’s really interesting, because both of them are saying that what happened in May doesn’t matter.”
Big respect to Fury with the above where he said Usyk won the first fight fair and square.
It is not often that top level boxers say things like that when they lose a close fight.
At the same time, Usyk is deadly serious in the rematch too.
The first fight while being quite brilliant may in fact be out done and eclipsed for action in the rematch on December 21st.
Likely it will be the biggest heavyweight fight of all time.