Usyk and Fury’s Epic Rivalry: The Rematch Between ‘Ugly Rabbit’ and ‘Greedy Belly’

Live text and radio commentary for Usyk v Fury 2 will be available starting at 21:00 GMT on Saturday via BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website & app. World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, similar to many individuals, frequently considers hitting the snooze button. He stated, “My phone alarm is like ‘Hey, Oleksandr, wake up, it’s time for training at five o’clock in the morning’.” He conveyed this sentiment while inflating his cheeks and letting out an exaggerated sigh. Usyk achieved the status of the first undisputed heavyweight champion in a quarter-century after defeating Briton Tyson Fury by decision in May. Having relinquished the IBF belt, he is scheduled to return to Saudi Arabia this Saturday to defend his WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO titles against Fury. This rivalry has elevated him from a distinguished boxer to a prominent sporting icon. Nevertheless, having attained such a high level, a question arises regarding the potential for Usyk’s drive and motivation to diminish. During the current fight week, Usyk has already been observed looking out from a plane’s cockpit window and performing his characteristic dance routines. Information regarding Usyk v Fury 2 is comprehensively available. However, the world’s top heavyweight, potentially the greatest of his era, finds the required sacrifices challenging and views preparation as burdensome. The 37-year-old informed BBC Sport, “I don’t like training, but I like boxing. I cannot box if I do not train. It’s all together.” He added, “When I’m in camp, every day and every minute I think ‘what am I doing here? What am I doing here without my children and my wife?'” He concluded, “But it’s my choice, boxing.” The event is scheduled to commence at 21:00 GMT on Saturday, 21 December. On Monday’s media day in Riyadh, Usyk entered a hotel suite accompanied by an entourage of approximately 20 fellow Ukrainians. Holding rosary beads firmly in his right hand, he silently recited a prayer during pauses between questions. He stated, “God gave me the opportunity but God told me ‘you must work, you must not rest’.” Usyk chose to respond to questions in English. While he occasionally uses a translator, his proficiency in the language has significantly advanced over the last six months. Usyk commented, “For me, I do not think about legacy. For me, it’s important, it’s my chance again to say ‘listen, if you work, it’s possible’.” Usyk consistently appears comfortable in the public eye. Tuesday’s elaborate grand arrivals event was held on a Boeing 777 at a temporary runway within the Boulevard attraction park, where Usyk playfully occupied the captain’s seat almost immediately. This Saturday marks a pivotal moment for the dominant heavyweight, who exhibits the same composure outside the ring as he does amidst intense competition. Usyk, the victor, has chosen not to disclose his strategies concerning Fury prior to their rematch. Fury has vowed to secure a knockout that would lead to Usyk’s retirement; however, his typical outspokenness was notably subdued during the initial days of this fight week. In contrast, an air of tension and intensity prevailed. Fury seemed somewhat detached and terse during his media obligations. He put on his gloves at a media workout but refrained from throwing any punches. The Gypsy King, now sporting a beard, stated that he ceased communication with his wife Paris Fury for three months during his training camp in preparation for the rematch. For observers questioning if Fury had been subdued by his loss and had adopted a renewed focus, his true demeanor became more apparent following the extraordinary face-off on Thursday, which extended for 11 minutes and 20 seconds. After a prolonged staredown where neither participant averted their gaze, Fury directed several insults at Usyk and asserted his claim as the legitimate champion. Shortly thereafter, he danced with a group of drummers who were waiting outside. This display revealed the familiar Fury, despite Usyk having commented on Fury’s erratic nature just days prior. Usyk remarked, “Bad guy, good guy; bad opponent, good opponent; win, not win. I don’t know. Crazy man. Change opinion every time.” A video capturing Fury and Usyk’s 11-minute face-off is available. Usyk, who also unified the cruiserweight division, is maintaining secrecy regarding his game plan for Saturday. He stated, “I learned a little bit [from the first fight] but I [will] not tell you. After my second win I will talk to you. It’s not secret but maybe greedy belly will watch the TV.” The “greedy belly” taunt and Fury’s “ugly rabbit” remarks directed at Usyk should not be taken too seriously, as this rivalry is founded on mutual respect and admiration. The contest between Fury and Usyk has garnered significant public interest and has raised the sport, along with both fighters’ profiles, to an unprecedented level. Its success stems from the minimal difference in skill between these two elite performers. Had a third judge awarded one of the more closely contested rounds to Fury rather than Usyk half a year ago, Britain would have celebrated an undisputed heavyweight champion. Usyk commented, “Tyson Fury is very important for my boxing career. He’s a very strong opponent. He’s important but not only for me but for future history, for boxing in the world.” A rivalry should ideally not conclude in a draw, and a win for Fury this weekend could potentially lead to a third fight. Usyk declined to specify his remaining time in the sport, but a victory could serve as an appropriate conclusion to his boxing career. Following that, he might finally indulge in a well-earned extended sleep.