Oleksandr Usyk admits Tyson Fury has pressed his buttons over the course of their rivalry, but vows to remain calm ahead of their rematch.
Usyk will defend his unified heavyweight world tiles against Fury in Riyadh on Saturday in a much-anticipated second outing, seven months after inflicting a first loss on ‘The Gypsy King’.
Fury has been unusually reserved throughout the build-up, but has remained consistent in his vow to hurt the Ukrainian when they meet at the Kingdom Arena.
Usyk insists he has no issues in engaging with the Brit outside of the ring and believes the pair will look back at their rivalry fondly in years to come.
“Yes I do enjoy this [confrontation with Fury],” the 37-year-old told TNT Sports Boxing.
“Because these are emotions.
“These are the memories that when we get old, when we’re two old men.
“He [Tyson] promised to come to Ukraine.
“So he will come to Ukraine to my ranch.
“We’re going to be drinking beer and he will say, ‘Oh remember how you beat me twice?”
Saudi Arabia boxing chief, Turki Alalshikh has expressed his desire to see a trilogy, should Fury emerge victorious.
The pair engaged in an 11-minute stare down following Thursday’s press conference and exchanged verbals back-and forth before being separated by security.
Usyk admits the verbal battle can become draining and forces him to maintain his composure.
“I want to smack his face,” he added.
“His [Tyson] cheeks go red.
“But I keep in mind that I have to be calm and I pray to say, ‘Lord please help him and myself.”
‘The Cat’ became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis when he overcame the Morecambe man in May, but relinquished the IBF title shortly afterwards to secure a rematch.
Daniel Dubois, who was elevated to full IBF champion and defends his crown against Joseph Parker on February 22 in Riyadh, will be ringside and has called out the victor for a unification.
“I’m out here in Saudi Arabia, and I want the winner on Saturday night,” the 27-year-old told talkSPORT.
“I want to fight for undisputed, that’s what the game is now, that’s the goal.
“100% [I would beat them]. This is my time now.
“I’ve been through the ups and downs, but I’m a new man.”
