.png)
Usyk vs Fury 2 - With just under two months remaining until their much-anticipated rematch, unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and challenger Tyson Fury met for a heated press conference in London, kicking off promotion for their December 21 showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Their previous encounter in May saw Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) edge out a split decision victory over Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) in what many have hailed as a potential Fight of the Year.
Wednesday’s press conference, however, was anything but conventional. Fury, always one for theatrics, made a memorable entrance to the tune of Aqua’s "Barbie Girl," contrasting sharply with Usyk’s more stoic, video game-inspired appearance as Agent 47 from the "Hitman" franchise. Despite the flair, once the press conference got underway, both fighters were surprisingly restrained, answering many questions with just a single word — a testament to their mutual respect and focused determination.
The real showstopper came when Usyk pulled out a photograph from their first bout, showing the moment he landed a powerful left hand that snapped Fury's head back. In a rare moment of levity, Fury signed the photo with a chuckle, quipping, "I look like Shrek in the picture. It's a picture of me taking a big left hand to the jaw." Usyk revealed that he plans to auction the signed photograph, with proceeds going to support Ukrainian soldiers, demonstrating his strong connection to his homeland.
When talk turned to the fight itself, Fury confidently outlined his plan for the rematch, drawing parallels to his past successes in rematches against opponents like John McDermott, Derek Chisora, and Deontay Wilder. “Last time in May, it was a fantastic fight. Oleksandr won the fight fair and square," Fury admitted. "But a little bit more focus, a little bit more lack of complacency, and I should do the job I need to do." He emphasized that no drastic changes were necessary to regain the heavyweight crown, suggesting his minor adjustments will lead to victory this time around. "I believe it will be my time this time," Fury said. "God's timing is perfection."
For Usyk, the reigning champion and master tactician, his approach was much simpler. When asked about his motivation for the rematch, Usyk calmly stated, “I don't have motivation. Only my regime, only my concentration. This is my motivation, enough.” With undisputed titles in two weight classes, Usyk has earned his place atop many pound-for-pound rankings, and his unshakable focus could prove pivotal in their second meeting.
Despite the tension, Fury seemed at ease, drawing on his history of winning rematches by knockout. "I always end up knocking them out in the rematch. Whoever I faced more than once has been knocked out in the rematch," Fury stated, citing his trilogy bouts with Chisora and Wilder as examples.
As the Dec. 21 date approaches, both men will go through the rigorous preparations needed for what promises to be another epic battle. For Fury, the loss in May was not just a physical defeat but a lesson in patience and preparation. "All I can do is prepare well, train hard, and the rest is in God's hands," Fury said, noting that he respects the outcome of their first fight, believing it wasn’t his time to win.
The press conference provided a glimpse into the mindset of these two heavyweight warriors. While Usyk’s discipline and precision earned him the title, Fury’s belief in his own power and adaptability could swing the rematch in his favor. One thing is certain — on December 21, the world will be watching as Usyk and Fury once again battle for the undisputed heavyweight championship, and with both men determined to leave no doubts this time, boxing fans can expect fireworks.
Stay tuned to Fight.TV for more coverage leading up to this monumental rematch.
コメント