Oleksandr Usyk will look to further cement his greatness when he locks horns with Tyson Fury in their eagerly anticipated rematch on December 21.
The pair went toe-to-toe in a compelling encounter earlier this year, when Usyk scored a ninth-round standing count over Fury before emerging victorious on points.
Shortly after becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis, though, the Ukrainian was forced to relinquish his IBF strap.
The vacant trinket, of course, was then claimed by Daniel Dubois following his emphatic fifth-round stoppage win against Anthony Joshua in September.
But now, with one less title up for grabs, Tyson Fury will nonetheless be hoping to exact revenge on his formidable rival when they collide, once again, in Saudi Arabia.
- Read More [Who is Oleksandr Usyk? Step inside the life of the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion who defeated Tyson Fury]
Oleksandr Usyk teases Tyson Fury with social media message
Ahead of their second encounter, team Fury has revealed several factors that may have hindered his performance back in May.
Firstly, the 36-year-old’s assistant trainer, Andy Lee, has confirmed that no sparring took place during their previous training camp.
This was because Fury had suffered a cut above his left eye, postponing his first clash with Oleksandr Usyk which, before the injury, was set to take place in February.
On the eve of his fight with Usyk, too, ‘The Gypsy King’ received the devastating news that his wife, Paris, had suffered a miscarriage.
And so, while Fury has refused to use either of these reasons as an excuse, one would suspect that the preparation for his career-defining night was less than ideal.
But now, the Brit has based himself out in Malta where, judging by an update on social media earlier today, his camp has been running a lot more smoothly.
Usyk, meanwhile, is locked away in camp too, but has still managed to find time to express his engaging sense of humor
On X, he said: “Hey, my greedy belly [Fury]. Don’t be afraid – I will not leave you alone. Never.”
Fans react to Oleksandr Usyk poking fun at Tyson Fury
Usyk has always been known for his sharpness both in and out of the ring, indicating exactly why he has become one of the world’s most celebrated athletes.
It is perhaps unsurprising, then, that boxing fans have largely responded to the 37-year-old’s post on social media with enthusiasm.
One fan said: “Absolutely love this guy!!”
Another fan added: “Usyk is the funniest guy in boxing.”
Someone else said: “Oleksandr Usyk is unintentionally hilarious.”