Oleksandr Usyk Prepares for Fury Rematch in Riyadh

Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning world heavyweight champion, is set to defend his WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO titles against Tyson Fury in Riyadh on Saturday. This highly anticipated rematch follows Usyk’s historic victory six months ago, where he became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years after outpointing Fury.

Balancing Motivation and Sacrifice
Despite his monumental achievements, Usyk, 37, admits to the daily struggles of training, often questioning the sacrifices it demands. “I don’t like training, but I like boxing. I cannot box if I do not train,” Usyk said. Reflecting on time spent away from his family during camp, he emphasized his dedication to the sport as a choice he’s fully embraced.

Rivalry with Fury: Respect Amid Tension
The dynamic between Usyk and Fury has elevated boxing to new heights, with their mutual respect underscoring the intensity of their rivalry. Known for his playful antics, Usyk maintains a composed demeanor in and out of the ring, while Fury oscillates between a subdued focus and his trademark flamboyance.

Earlier this week, Fury refrained from throwing punches during a media workout but reignited his brash persona during an 11-minute face-off with Usyk, hurling insults and later dancing with drummers. Meanwhile, Usyk continues to describe Fury as unpredictable, calling him a “crazy man” who frequently changes his stance.

A Career-Defining Moment
Both fighters have hinted at the significance of this rematch, with Usyk acknowledging Fury’s importance to his career and boxing history. A Fury victory could pave the way for a trilogy, while another win for Usyk might serve as a fitting capstone to his illustrious career.

As the boxing world eagerly awaits Saturday’s showdown, Usyk’s legacy—and perhaps his next opportunity to finally hit the snooze button—hangs in the balance.