23 October 2023 , 15:10
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Oleksandr Usyk believes Tyson Fury's super-fight with Francis Ngannou won't be enough of a distraction to cost the pair their undisputed bout on Saturday night.
The two heavyweight champions have signed on the dotted line for a showdown that could take place as soon as December. But there is the small matter of Fury's challenge against UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou, who is believed to be one of the heaviest punchers to ever compete in either the octagon or the ring.
Many aren't giving the MMA star a chance, but he is known for having game-changing knockout power and has caused serious damage on his route to UFC gold. Usyk is one of the fighters who doesn't believe there's much shot of the upset, and feels he will be facing Fury next.
“This bout is bread and butter for Tyson Fury," Usyk said during a video on his YouTube channel. "This is my attitude with regards to boxing. And when someone’s saying that Ngannou can drop him I probably would agree, but I’m really not certain. Tell me how could the guy with no experience in boxing beat a giant who’s been in boxing for 20 years?
“Yes, Ngannou is a UFC champion, I’m not disputing it. But UFC isn’t boxing. I’m 100% sure that Tyson Fury will be victorious. If Ngannou relatively has a puncher’s chance, and if he hypothetically happens to send Fury tumbling to the canvas, I’ll concede talking gibberish."
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Usyk was then asked by the host whether or not he will be travelling to see the event in person in the Middle East, and replied: “Yes, I’m going to be there. I would like to see the bout. The promotion is impressive.”
Fury and Ngannou's fight is expected to earn both champion purses in excess of £10million, with the Brit set to make over £100million between this and his upcoming undisputed clash with Oleksandr Usyk. The MMA star has taken issue with news that Fury vs Usyk will take place within Riyadh Season, telling his rival that he will hand him a medical suspension that costs him the fight.
"I don't know what's the minimum medical suspension in boxing but I really don't understand how Tyson can fight in December after what's going to happen on 10/28," he wrote in a tweet after Fury vs Usyk was announced. It is believed that Saudi officials are keen to have the fight on December 23, but a January or February date before Riyadh Season closes in April is more likely.