Oleksandr Usyk has told Tyson Fury that he ‘will not leave him alone’ after their fight was postponed by three months.
The pair were set to enter the ring on February 17 but Fury was forced to postpone the bout after suffering a cut in sparring.
Usyk was set to put his WBA, WBO and IBF belts on the line in Riyadh in just under two weeks’ time.
It was set to be the first undisputed fight in the heavyweight division since Lennox Lewis beat Evander Holyfield in 1999.
Oleksandr Usyk has sent a fierce warning to Tyson Fury after the fight was delayed
BBC/Getty
However, news broke last week that Fury had sustained a cut above his right eye in a freak accident in the gym.
The 35-year-old was caught by the elbow of Croatian heavyweight Agron Smakici in a sparring session.
Fury had to have stitches and it was deemed he would not recover in time for the original fight date.
The fight has swiftly been rearranged for May 18, where they will put their unbeaten professional records on the line.
But despite the three-month wait, Usyk is still attempting to get in the head of his opponent.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, he was asked what message he would like to send to Fury.
Staring down the barrel of the camera, he started his address by saying: “Tyson. Hi, my brother.”
He then sent Fury a chilling message, adding: “Don’t be afraid. I will not leave you alone.”
Usyk also revealed that he missed the birth of his second child as he was preparing for the fight.
The 37-year-old says Fury must now play by his rules ahead of the rearranged clash.
He added: “I’m not judging anyone. But the thing is we have to treat this more seriously, this is very important and we have to be cautious.
“We have to treat this professionally. We have to spend every minute in the ring with the intention of having respect for our opponent.
“To judge someone for his mistakes is a weakness. I feel very well and even if someone is trying to play me they are playing by my rules.
“I sacrificed all the dates I wanted to spend with my family, Christmas, New Year, the birthday of my second son and the birth of my daughter. I should have been around my wife.”
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Oleksandr Usyk insists he is ‘happy’ despite the fight being delayed
BBC
Usyk will now spend time with his family in Ukraine, insisting he is ‘happy’ despite the delay.
He said: “I’m still happy – things happen, it’s life. I’m very happy because I now go to Ukraine.
“I see my two daughters and my wife. I go to my church and pray. A little bit of rest and back to my camp.”
Usyk was also asked to give his opinion of Fury, saying he sees similarities with himself.
Tyson Fury sustained a cut in sparring last week
Queensbury Promotions
However, he believes he is a little bit more ‘crazy’ than his opponent.
Usyk replied: “The same way as I see myself. But I think Tyson Fury is a little bit crazy.
“I am too. Tyson Fury a little bit, I am more.”
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
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