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Tyson Fury maintains that he experienced no discontent when he lost the undisputed heavyweight championship to Oleksandr Usyk in May.
However, he did feel a sense of sorrow as he witnessed Anthony Joshua being defeated by Daniel Dubois last month.
“I feel sympathy for him at the moment, being overwhelmed in his last bout in five rounds, so he’ll have to face that again – or not – and then determine his future. I’ve stated after every [Anthony Joshua] defeat that I felt deflated.
“When a rival loses, and it’s not at your hands, you indeed feel a bit down and disheartened by it. I felt sorrow for him. It was disheartening to witness a deserving contender lose his title.”
Nonetheless, Fury versus Joshua presents a highly anticipated match that British boxing enthusiasts are eager to see, before it becomes too late, and Fury asserts that he is ready for it.
Anthony Joshua after sustaining a knockdown by Daniel Dubois in September. Pic: Reuters
“I would still compete against him whether he’s suffered five losses, ten losses, or twenty. It doesn’t matter because, at this juncture in our careers, it’s about engaging in compelling bouts. I believe it would still be an intriguing match for the paying audience.”
Fury declares that when he faces Usyk for their rematch on December 21 in Riyadh for three of the four titles, he will alter nothing other than the outcome.
‘Nonsense that comes with boxing’
“I will execute the same strategy, but I won’t receive a standing count in round nine, and I’ll win the match decisively. Yes, my aim is to avoid any knockdowns.”
Fury humorously states that it feels unpleasant to be the challenger instead of the champion. “It actually does not concern me honestly. All the glitz and glamour… it’s just the nonsense that comes with boxing. I am here to perform a task, collect a paycheck, and return home.”
For this upcoming bout, the surprise element from either party has dissipated. They both possess a solid understanding of each other’s styles. But was he struck by Usyk’s relentless comeback in their initial encounter?
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Usyk triumphed over Tyson Fury in May
‘He’ll have to face the consequences’
“I wasn’t particularly impressed because he is a boxer, and that is his job. He performed his duties and secured a very narrow victory, but as I have often reiterated… winning by a little or a lot is still winning.”
“He actually postponed the rematch, as I was truly eager to enjoy a good build-up leading up to Halloween, Bonfire Night, Christmas, and New Year. However, he ruined all that for me, so now I will only have three days for Christmas. He’s going to have to deal with that!”
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Fury converses about finances and sock shopping with Jacquie Beltrao
Fury is already contemplating his next move, and it doesn’t involve a match against Dubois, the recent IBF champion, or Joshua. Instead, he favors another clash with the Ukrainian fighter.
Although he asserts that he is indifferent to history, titles, or much beyond the sport itself, a subsequent bout with Usyk would carry substantial weight. It would secure his distinctive position in boxing history.
“I would prefer to have a trilogy with Usyk, which would level the score at 1-1, making me the sole heavyweight in history to have three trilogies. That would be quite remarkable.”
The rise of Saudi Arabia as a global boxing hub in recent years has transformed the sport’s landscape. The financial incentives available significantly surpass what one would typically anticipate in the UK.
Money is an ‘excitation’
Fury claims he doesn’t require the funds and scarcely spends them. However, he admits that it provides him with excitement. “It’s merely the thrill of acquiring it, it’s an excitation. Yet once you possess it, it’s like ‘aaahhhh’… now to the next opportunity.”
“I didn’t need a bout with Usyk to purchase what I desire. I could have done that at any moment over the past decade. I haven’t acquired a single item, not even a pair of shoes, nothing. They were complimentary… I recently treated myself to some new socks, simply because they were discounted!”
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Thus, Fury does not crave the financial gain, the prestige of victory, or the fanfare associated with the sport. He would have one believe that none of these aspects holds any significance for him.
So why, at 36, does he persist?
“I adore it. I relish the thrill of combat. I enjoy boxing, appreciate the training; it maintains my health, keeps me out of trouble, and ensures I stay on a straight path.”
Usyk vs Fury 2 will air on Sky Sports Box Office on December 21.
