Why Does Tyson Fury Call Oleksandr Usyk a Middleweight? Explained in Fury’s Post-Fight Press Conference

Following Tyson Fury’s 10th-round TKO victory over long-time rival Derek Chisora to retain his WBC heavyweight championship at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Fury shed light on why he refers to Oleksandr Usyk as a “middleweight” during the post-fight press conference.

Fury’s Explanation: Their Amateur Days

Fury explained that both he and Usyk were active on the amateur boxing circuit during the mid-2000s. While Fury was competing as a super heavyweight throughout his amateur career, Usyk was boxing in significantly lighter weight classes.

Tyson Fury highlighted that Oleksandr Usyk once competed in the middleweight division, even facing former welterweight champion Shawn Porter during that time.

Tyson Fury’s Comments

“There is merit to this middleweight talk,” Fury stated. “When he was an amateur, when I was a super heavyweight at around 17-18 years old, he was boxing at 75 kg (165 lbs). So, it’s not just me calling him a small man or a middleweight; there’s actual merit to it. He’s boxed at middleweight as an amateur, and I’ve never boxed at anything other than super heavyweight.”

Usyk’s Professional Journey

While Fury has remained in the super heavyweight division throughout his career, Usyk’s professional trajectory has been more varied. He began his pro career at cruiserweight, where he became the undisputed champion before moving up to heavyweight, where he now holds three of the four major belts.

Usyk also won an Olympic gold medal in the amateur heavyweight division, which is roughly equivalent to today’s professional cruiserweight division.

Looking Ahead: Fury vs Usyk

Fury’s playful “middleweight” jibes aside, the much-anticipated fight between Fury and Usyk is set to be a highly competitive affair. The two champions are expected to clash for the undisputed heavyweight title in the first quarter of next year, likely in Saudi Arabia.

Despite Fury’s remarks about Usyk’s size, the fight is considered by many to be a 50-50 showdown, pitting Fury’s size and power against Usyk’s agility and technical skill.