In a bizarre yet captivating moment, Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk showed up to the press conference for his much-anticipated rematch against Tyson Fury dressed as the infamous Agent 47 from the Hitman movie franchise. The heavyweight champion, known for his unorthodox antics outside the ring, took things to another level as he engaged in a peculiar interaction with his British opponent.
“I Look Like Shrek!” Fury Exclaims as He Signs Photos
Wearing a meticulously tailored dark blue suit, a striking red tie, and sporting a freshly shaved head, Usyk cut an imposing figure reminiscent of the ruthless assassin he was emulating. In a surprising move, the Ukrainian pulled out a briefcase containing photographs from his first fight against Fury in May, which he won by a split decision to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.
With a mischievous glint in his eye, Usyk handed the photos to Fury and requested him to sign them. The Gypsy King, caught off guard by the unusual request, couldn’t help but chuckle as he remarked, “I look like Shrek!” while autographing the images. The lighthearted moment quickly turned surreal as Fury proceeded to playfully tickle his stoic opponent, who remained unfazed throughout the exchange.
Usyk’s eBay Plans: A Clever Marketing Ploy or Mind Games?
According to a source close to Usyk’s camp, the champion intends to put the signed photographs up for auction on eBay. This unconventional move has sparked speculation about the Ukrainian’s motives. Some believe it to be a clever marketing strategy to generate buzz and interest in the rematch, while others see it as a form of psychological warfare aimed at unsettling Fury.
“Oleksandr is always thinking two steps ahead,” the insider revealed. “He knows how to get under his opponents’ skin and create a spectacle. This eBay stunt is just another example of his unique approach to the fight game.”
Fury Embraces Underdog Status, Vows to Knockout Usyk
Despite the mind games, Fury remains focused on the task at hand. The Briton, who boasts an impressive record in rematches with knockout victories over the likes of John McDermott, Derek Chisora, and Deontay Wilder, believes he enters this fight as the underdog – a position he hasn’t found himself in since his second bout against Wilder in February 2020.
“I’ve got to be a bit more cunning, a bit more smart, and do what I do best – just get the job done,” Fury stated during the press conference. “Whoever I’ve faced more than once has been knocked out. I envisage something similar happening in this rematch against Usyk.”
High Expectations for Another Heavyweight Classic
Despite the outcome of their first encounter, both camps agree that the rematch promises to be another exhilarating heavyweight showdown. Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, expressed his confidence in the Gypsy King while acknowledging the quality of their initial clash.
“It was a magnificent fight, an unbelievably top-quality heavyweight bout,” Warren remarked. “The next one is going to be every bit as good, if not better. I believe in Tyson; I’ve believed in him from day one.”
As the boxing world eagerly awaits the Usyk-Fury rematch, scheduled for December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, one thing is certain: with Usyk’s mind games and Fury’s determination to reclaim his titles, this heavyweight clash has all the ingredients to be a fight for the ages. Will the Hitman’s unorthodox tactics pay off, or will the Gypsy King rise to the occasion and cement his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights of his generation? Only time will tell.
