It’s fight week in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which means one of the most anticipated heavyweight rematches in recent years is just days away. Before unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) and Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) meet in the Kingdom Arena to battle it out, they both arrived in a jumbo plane with the rest of the fighters on the card for the red-carpet Grand Arrivals. It was nothing short of a spectacle, and with it being the last major event of 2024, it is expected to surpass the highest expectations regarding the overall presentation. If that wasn’t enough, Turki Alalshikh announced that they would use an AI judge to unofficially score the fight to see how close or far the actual judges were on their scorecards if the fight should go the distance.
After exiting the plane, both Usyk and Fury made their way to the stage area and were asked a few questions before heading to their hotels.
OLEKSANDR USYK
We spoke with Tyson Fury and he promised his excellency that he will knock you out in round 13. How do you feel about that?
“It’s only talk. We will see. Whatever happens is God’s will.”
Right now, all eyes are on you. The world is watching as we close 2024 with you as the main event. How does that make you feel?
“It will be a great fight, I feel really good. I think that I will win.”
Oleksandr, I saw you today working out in the gym going through your routine. Is it now just a case of staying loose and active until Saturday?
“Yeah, today was easy, I was just doing cardio and stretching. Just want to stay active until Saturday.”
You seem very confident. Even your size, you look like a proper heavyweight. You seem very confident going into this second fight with Fury?
“Yeah, I feel really good at my weight at 222 lbs. I don’t feel too heavy, I don’t feel too light. I feel perfect.”
Oleksandr, in the first fight you said that you weren’t going to leave him alone. You said that you were going to be in front of Tyson Fury. Can we expect the same type of performance on Saturday?
“Yeah, my fans can expect something similar again. But, we may switch a few things up a little bit. My team and I have a few secrets for Saturday.”
Have you had a chance yet to sit back and realize what you’ve done? To consider the history you’ve made for yourself and all of your achievements?
“Yes, of course. This is a big opportunity for me, for my country, and for the young people that look up to me and Tyson. This is history! I want people 15 years later to remember when I fought and beat Tyson Fury twice in Riyadh.”
Will you admit that you are a great fighter now, possibly an all time great?
“Definitely.”
And pound for pound?
“I think Terence Crawford is the number one fighter pound for pound.”
What are you doing these next few days to get yourself ready for the fight on Saturday?
“I just train, relax, and speak with my family, my daughter, and my team.”
TYSON FURY
How does it feel to be the biggest show in Riyadh?
“I’m the only show in town. This time around everything is pretty much the same. It’s the biggest event of my life, so in that regard it’s pretty much the same. From one biggest event to the next biggest event. I’m looking forward to putting on a show as always.”
What can we expect differently in round 13?
“I’m going to knock him out. I’m going to give Turki what I promised him in May, a cooked rabbit in his kitchen. That’s my promise!”
What is your favorite moment of this week?
“My favorite moment will be getting my hand raised on Saturday night.”
OLEKSANDR USYK VS. TYSON 2 FURY BETTING ODDS
Per DraftKings SportsBook, Oleksandr Usyk is the favorite at -150, and Tyson Fury is the underdog at +120.
Oleksandr Usyk: TKO/KO +300; Decision +170
Draw: +1400
Tyson Fury: TKO/KO +300; Decision +350
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