‘The Gypsy King’ suffered the first defeat of his professional career to the Ukrainian back in May – but insists ‘it’s his time’ ahead of the rematch in December
Tyson Fury believes it was Oleksandr Usyk divine right to emerge victorious from their undisputed heavyweight title fight.
Fury and Usyk are scheduled to head-to-head for a second time on December 21 after the Ukrainian became the first man to beat ‘The Gypsy King’ in a professional bout after he secured a split-decision victory in Riyadh in May. Despite not having his hand raised that night, Fury insists he was happy his rival was given the nod. However, ahead of the sequel, the 36-year-old insists it will be his time in December as he looks to become a heavyweight champion for the third time in his career.
Speaking at the launch press conference of the highly-anticipated rematch, Fury said: “It’s actually been about four and half years – the Deontay Wilder II fight – since I was the underdog in a fight. I’m looking forward to a fantastic fight. Oleksandr won the first fight fair and square.
“It was very close last time. I’ll be a bit more focussed, a lack of complacency and I should do the job. Nothing drastic has to change. A bit more of the same, a bit more focused, and I will be victorious. Last time it wasn’t my time to win or God would have given me victory. I’m very happy Usyk got the decision. That was meant to be, and we’re going to find out what is meant to be on December 21.
“I believe it’s my time this time and all things that happen – positive or negative – are lessons and we must learn from these things as humans, boxers, fathers and husbands. What we know is to go out there and knock each other out and put on a show for the paying customer. I hope you guys will enjoy this fight as much as I will.”
With the first encounter going the distance, only one judge gave Fury the victory. This time around, ‘The Gypsy King’ plans on making a statement and revealed earlier this month that he intends to switch up his tactics as he hopes to avoid leaving his fate in the hands of the judges.
Speaking in an interview ahead of the console release of the boxing video game ‘Undisputed’, when asked what tactic he preferred out of staying on the outside or stepping into a fighter, Fury answered: “I don’t know. It’s horses for courses isn’t it? It all depends on what I need to do on the night.
“I needed to get Wilder out of there or he got me out of there and that’s the type of fight it had to be. It had to be a 50/50 gunsling with the biggest puncher in history or else he’d have chinned me in round nine. Going into the rematch with Usyk, it’s going to be the same. I’m going to roll the dice and it’s going to be you or me… best foot forward and swing away. I’ve never been afraid to get knocked spark out. I’ve always put it on the line every time.”
He added: “There’s no secret! I’m going in there to knock you out because I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do. I don’t think I’m going to get a boxing decision, so I’m going to have to take it out of the judges hands like I did in America that time and I’ve got to get him (Usyk) out of there. Hand on heart, I have to get him out of there to see victory.”
