Fury And Usyk’s Heated Presser – Here’s What Happened

Tyson Fury was not best pleased by Oleksandr Usyk’s reluctance to have a war of words with him during their kick-off presser for their undisputed fight on February 17th, 2024. 

The Gypsy King’s aim was to intimidate the Ukrainian, whom he has previously referred to as a middleweight. And given the huge physical advantages that Fury possesses, the WBC heavyweight champion sought to engage in mind games. In the presser, Fury reacted to Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, who stated that the Gypsy King would be facing the future undisputed heavyweight champion by reminding his opponent of how he had beaten Wladimir Klitschko.

“I’ve already done it. I did it when I beat Klitschko. I won all the belts. I won the WBC after that so I’ve won every belt there is to win, including Ring Magazine’s, WBO and all of those other belts. I’ve already had them,” Fury

Usyk, in contrast, remained composed by focusing on the fight. The unified heavyweight champion recognized that he may be seen as an underdog. However, he backed himself to come out victorious, given that he has already been undisputed at cruiserweight. 

“I want to tell one story which looks very similar to our story with Tyson, about David and Golliath. When the Lord gives me Tyson in my hands, I will make my job. The Lord has nothing impossible,” Usyk 

Thereafter, during the face-off, Fury leaned in towards Usyk in an attempt to push the Ukrainian back. The latter held his ground as both men were separated from each other as Sylvester Stallone stood in the background. Despite this being the case, Fury expected his opponent to have shown more in the presser. Meanwhile, Usyk brushed off the criticism that came his way.  

“It’s not an exchange when I shout something to somebody, and they don’t say anything. What do you call that? Probably an onslaught. There was no return fire. I’ll tell you what it’s like. Me on my own at the press conference. I just did a round table with him. How are you going to get banter up with a man who doesn’t speak English? He understands only 10% of what I say. He has to translate backward and forwards. It’s pointless,” Fury stated

“For me, it’s a lot of speak like a talking hat. Blah blah blah blah blah blah. The man behaves like that when he is afraid and doesn’t feel comfortable or when he isn’t sure about anything,” Usyk said