Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury have approached their rematch in very different ways.
The unbeaten Ukrainian made history earlier this year when he dropped Tyson Fury en route to a split-decision win that made him the first-ever four-belt heavyweight champion.
Oleksandr Usyk was forced to relinquish his IBF title, but he’ll put WBC, WBA, and WBO gold on the line when the fights ‘The Gypsy King’ again in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
The Englishman shocked everyone when he recently revealed the lengths he’s gone to ensure that he avenges the lone loss of his 34-1-1 career this weekend.
Oleksandr Usyk leaning on family ahead of rematch
Tyson Fury says he hasn’t seen his kids or spoken to his wife in three months.
“It’s been a long camp, been away from my wife and kids for three months,” he said just days before his second fight with Usyk.
“I’ve not spoken to Paris at all for three months, not one word.
“I’ve sacrificed a lot. It will be worth it 100 percent.”
Usyk is taking a different approach to his rival. ‘The Joker’ has been away from his family during camp, but he’s in constant contact with them as they inspire him to push through tough times.
“I speak with my wife every day, every time, every second, every minute. My children too, it helps me, because it’s my family,” he told TNT Sports.
“For me, it doesn’t matter what Tyson does. For me, it matters what I do.
“My little daughter, Maria, started to walk, say ‘Mama’ and ‘Baba’. Baba is like a grandmother. This has really motivated me.”
Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis share their predictions
Boxing legends Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis have shared their very different views on Usyk vs Fury 2.
Fury’s namesake says he simply can’t back against the man who was named in his honor.
“Usyk is the best heavyweight in the world at the moment,” Mike Tyson said. “But I’m going for Fury to beat him. Why? Because I’m a fan. Because his father gave him my name. I’m not abandoning him now.”
Lennox Lewis sided with Usyk and gave an in-depth breakdown of the rematch.
“I cannot go against Usyk,” he insisted.
“Oleksandr Usyk has proven himself time and time again, and he’s still undefeated. It really comes down to who boxes the best. Who’s smart in the ring. I didn’t think Tyson Fury was smart in the first fight.
“I think [Fury] played around a little bit too much and allowed Oleksandr Usyk to really pile up the points.
“Oleksandr Usyk is a difficult opponent. He moves all the time, he’s always throwing punches, he’s in great shape, and that’s hard to beat.”