Tyson Fury confronted Oleksandr Usyk as soon as once more on the first press convention to launch their December 21 rematch for the unified world heavyweight championship.
Fury is understood for his mastery of psychological techniques nevertheless it was Usyk who started the early thoughts video games forward of this second battle.
He marched down the centre of the Guildhall, an ornate venue in central London that hosted the occasion, his head newly shaved, carrying a darkish swimsuit, black gloves on and carrying a mysterious briefcase.
Later, as soon as seated on the high desk, he defined: “It’s just character.”
He cracked open the briefcase and plucked out a two giant photographs from the primary battle, a bout he received to turn into the undisputed heavyweight world champion, and requested Fury to signal them.
Fury obliged and Usyk unfurled one in every of them, a big picture of himself touchdown his left cross, the weapon that gave the Briton such hassle first time round, notably in a torrid ninth spherical.
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Oleksandr Usyk confirmed off a shaved head and a theatrical new outfit when he arrived on the press convention for his rematch with Tyson Fury.
Fury would not dwell on that previous outcome, and solely targeted on profitable the upcoming contest.
“We’ve got to put that behind us, what happened in the fight,” Fury mentioned. “I have to be a little bit more focused and a little bit more smart to get the victory.”
It is under no circumstances the primary time Fury has fought the identical opponent twice. He got here again from his controversial draw with Deontay Wilder, as an illustration, to halt the American of their second battle.
“I always end up knocking them out in the rematch. Whoever I’ve faced more than once, I’ve ended up knocking them out in the rematch,” he warned the Ukrainian.
Oleksandr Usyk unclasps his mysterious briefcase
Usyk vacated one in every of his belts, the IBF championship, to proceed his rivalry with Fury.
It means the Briton, if he can overcome Usyk, not solely stands to win again the WBO, WBC and WBA titles, belts he has held in his two prior reigns as champion, however would additionally avenge the primary defeat of his skilled profession.
Fury although remained philosophical. “I’m very happy that Usyk got the decision,” he mirrored. “That was meant to be and we’re going to find out what’s meant to be December 21.
“I consider it is my time this time. I consider that each one issues that occur, damaging or constructive, are classes.
“What we know how to do best is going in there and knock the [stuffing] out of each other.”
‘A brand new bodily model’
Though Usyk received the primary battle with Fury, the choice was break up. Their second assembly might be a unique sort of contest. Serge Lapin, from the Ukrainian’s staff, is predicting “a new physical style” from him on this rematch.
His promoter Alex Krassyuk mentioned: “We have the present and we are making the future in the present. After having been so fortunate to see the undisputed heavyweight championship between the two best athletes in the world … seeing them fight for the second time in a row is almost a miracle.
“Let the very best man win. Once more.”
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Tyson Fury’s promoter Frank Warren cannot look forward to his fighter’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in December.
However Fury’s staff place confidence in their fighter. “It was a magnificent fight,” mentioned promoter Frank Warren. “The next one I think is going to be every bit as good if not better.
“I consider in Tyson, I’ve believed in Tyson from day one and I consider he can go and do that in model.”
Brad Jacobs, COO of co-promoters Top Rank, added: “Tyson Fury’s at his greatest along with his again to the wall.”
Fury himself didn’t feel the need though to issue a final message. “No” was his one word answer when offered the opportunity to do so.
While Usyk’s final message was simply: “Sure.”
He ended the press convention as mysteriously as he arrived. The psychological battle between the 2, it will appear, has already begun.
