Oleksandr Usyk has labelled Tyson Fury as a ‘great man’ – despite being regularly taunted by his heavyweight rival ahead of their fight.
The unbeaten Ukrainian inflicted a first defeat on the British star in their undisputed showdown in Saudi Arabia last month after winning on a split decision.
The ‘Gypsy King’ will get a shot at immediate revenge on December 21, with the Mancunian needing to put in a career-best performance to become world champion once again.
Usyk was emotional after his win, as he stated it was also a victory for his country, war-torn Ukraine.
Now, the 37-year-old – who is normally a man of few words – has detailed his thoughts on his opponent following the ‘toughest fight’ of his career.
Usyk told the Three Knockdown Rule podcast: “I respect Fury because he’s a great fighter, great man, very smart.
“What Tyson does, ‘Blah, blah, blah.’ A lot of people say he’s a clown. It’s playing.
“Not me, but maybe a different opponent who doesn’t have tunnel vision.”
Fury has never held back in firing insults at the Ukrainian.
He even refused to lock eyes with his rival during their face-off in May.
In November’s press conference, Fury said to his Usyk: “I’m going to bust him, sausage, ugly little man, rabbit. ‘Run rabbit, run rabbit, run, run, run!’
“I don’t want a, ‘more more’, you know what’s coming, you’re getting smashed to pieces sausage.
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“You’re fighting the best British heavyweight there’s ever been, the f****** dauntless in these waters, me.”
He also made the suggestion that the judges sided with Usyk due to the ongoing Ukraine war with Russia.
“I believe I won that fight,” he told DAZN. “And I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them.
“I believe we both put on a good fight – best we could do. And, you know, his country is at war. People are siding with the country at war.
“Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion.”
