Now it’s official. In 1999 it was Lennox Lewis, one of the few boxers to have won it three times along with Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield, and Vitali Klitschko.
For the first time, four belts will be at stake. It wasn’t easy to organize a match like this: the negotiations to reach an agreement have repeatedly stalled.
There were murmurs due to a rematch clause, against which Fury’s entourage would have expressed opposition. For both of them, this is the opportunity of a lifetime and they cannot afford to fail.
On one hand, the Briton will try to surpass his record of 34 wins and one draw since turning professional in 2008; on the other hand, the Ukrainian will try to remain undefeated, having won all 21 of his matches. “I don’t think about Tyson Fury.
I am indifferent to what he says about me. I don’t look at how he behaves and what he does.
Most of his opponents have fallen for it, but not me. As far as I’m concerned, I focus on how I am and how I prepare when I step into the ring,” said Usyk.
“My coach and I have carefully watched his fights – continued the Ukrainian champion -. I have advantages over him that he is not aware of.
I will return to Ukraine immediately after the match in Riyadh. I love my people and I want to give them the joy of victory.
I am fighting for an entire nation, while Tyson Fury fights for himself. This is the big difference between us.”
As has already happened with many other important sporting events, the venue for the event will be Saudi Arabia, accused of using sports to improve its international reputation, after widespread criticism of its human rights record. But the countdown is heading towards the end.
On the Kingdom Arena billboard, there will also be the challenge for the Ibf World Lightweight title between the Australian Sydney Jai Opetaia and the Latvian Mairis Briedis. *Corriere della Sera is also on WhatsApp.
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