This weekend, boxing fans will witness a top match between two of the world’s top boxers, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. The fight, which takes place on the evening of May 18 in Saudi Arabia, promises to determine the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis achieved the title 25 years ago. Both fighters are undefeated, with Fury the WBC champion and Usyk the WBO, WBA and IBF champion.

Before the fight, some strange events happened, especially Tyson Fury refusing to look his opponent Oleksandr Usyk in the eyes during the mandatory face-off. Normally, looking straight into the opponent’s eyes is an important part of pre-match rituals, showing each fighter’s confidence and determination. However, Fury went against this tradition.

When the two met on stage, Usyk stood across from the British boxer as usual. However, Fury turned towards the audience, showed off his muscles and sang along to the background music before finally leaving the stage. Fury’s action surprised many, but Usyk seemed unaffected by it, though he still managed to catch a glimpse of the “Gypsy King”‘s eyes before he left.

Explaining his actions, Fury simply told Sky Sports: “He looked scary.” Refusing a confrontation goes against tradition and is especially unusual for Fury, who loves to stare down his opponent. However, Fury also expressed respect for Usyk. He said: “I want to thank Usyk for challenging me. I aim to give a great performance.”

Fury continued to affirm his careful preparation for the match: “I’m ready. There’s nothing to say other than I’m ready for a good fight, whether it’s hard or easy, I’m ready.” . God bless him. I will pray for him before the fight so we both get out of the ring safely.”

Meanwhile, Usyk spoke even less. He simply said: “Let’s create history together. Let your hands do the talking in the ring.”