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Oleksandr Usyk has admitted that his relationship with one of his biggest heavyweight rivals has taken a ‘sad’ turn following their recent encounter in the ring.
Usyk’s record improved to 23-0 in December, when he defeated Tyson Fury for the second time. The Ukrainian has also bested the likes of Anthony Joshua twice, and Daniel Dubois, despite a controversial body shot paving the way for a rematch.
Oleksandr Usyk Reveals Estranged Relationship with Tyson Fury
Usyk first faced Fury in May of last year, winning a back-and-forth contest to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1998.
The two met again seven months later, with Usyk securing another victory on points. Usyk previously praised Fury as an opponent but has now revealed they haven’t spoken since the fight.
“We don’t communicate at present. Probably, in the future we will,” Usyk told Al Arabiya English. “I’m sad and miss this great guy, our interaction.”
He compared their time in the ring to a deep connection, saying, “We had 24 rounds, it’s like a lifetime. You live with someone for 20 years, so it’s a very long road for both of us.”
The two fights potentially mark the last of Fury’s career, as ‘The Gypsy King’ announced his retirement shortly after the second outing. Fans still hope he will return to face Joshua.
Despite their growing distance, Usyk still referred to Fury as his “unbelievable friend,” suggesting that their rivalry may not have completely ended their respect for each other, even if Fury still opposes the results of their encounters.
Usyk is now focussing on his next fight, which many believe will be a rematch with Dubois.
However, Usyk was recently ordered to face Joseph Parker next, a fight many believe the Kiwi deserves after his back-to-back wins over feared opposition in Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Martin Bakole.
