Tyson Fury warns Oleksandr Usyk: 'I always end up knocking them out in the rematch'
23 October 2024, 15:53 | Updated: 23 October 2024, 19:12
Tyson Fury faced Oleksandr Usyk once again at the first press conference to launch their December 21 rematch for the unified world heavyweight championship.
Fury is known for his mastery of psychological tactics but it was Usyk who began the early mind games ahead of this second fight.
He marched down the centre of the Guildhall, an ornate venue in central London that hosted the event, his head newly shaved, wearing a dark suit, black gloves on and carrying a mysterious briefcase.
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Later, once seated at the top table, he explained: "It's just character."
He cracked open the briefcase and plucked out a two large photos from the first fight, a bout he won to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion, and asked Fury to sign them.
Fury obliged and Usyk unfurled one of them, a large image of himself landing his left cross, the weapon that gave the Briton such trouble first time around, notably in a torrid ninth round.
Fury wouldn't dwell on that past result, and only focused on winning the upcoming contest.
"We've got to put that behind us, what happened in the fight," Fury said. "I have to be a little bit more focused and a little bit more smart to get the victory."
It's by no means the first time Fury has fought the same opponent twice. He came back from his controversial draw with Deontay Wilder, for instance, to halt the American in their second fight.
"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.
Usyk vacated one of his belts, the IBF championship, to continue his rivalry with Fury.
It means the Briton, if he can overcome Usyk, not only stands to win back the WBO, WBC and WBA titles, belts he has held in his two prior reigns as champion, but would also avenge the first defeat of his professional career.
Fury though remained philosophical. "I'm very happy that Usyk got the decision," he reflected. "That was meant to be and we're going to find out what's meant to be December 21.
"I believe it's my time this time. I believe that all things that happen, negative or positive, are lessons.
"What we know how to do best is going in there and knock the [stuffing] out of each other."
(c) Sky Sports 2024: Tyson Fury warns Oleksandr Usyk: 'I always end up knocking them out in the rematch'
