WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury believes Oleksandr Usyk is a fighter with a lot of miles on the clock.
Usyk, who holds the WBO, IBF, IBO, and WBA heavyweight titles, is in line to fight Fury in a high-stakes undisputed clash in the first half of 2023.
The two fighters are only a year apart in age – with Fury at 34 and Usyk at 35.
But, Fury explains that Usyk’s body has had a lot more wear and tear due to an extensive amateur career that saw a 335−15 record and an Olympic run with a gold medal at the 2012 games.
Fury’s handlers are currently in serious talks to finalize the fight with Usyk – which is likely going to land in the Middle East.
“Usyk’s older than me actually, so he’s about 35, I’m 34. So, it’s an even match, if he was 22, it might be different, but he’s an old man. He’s had 300 amateur fights, he’s worn out too,” Fury said, according to The Sun.
“He’s got about 250,000 miles on his clock. He’s had 315 amateur fights or something and he’s had about 20 professional fights. I don’t believe he’s got the best footwork in boxing, I don’t believe he out-speeds me either.
“We’re hopefully gonna see the biggest year of my career. In 2023, we’re gonna get the big fights that the fans really crave. First of all, let’s talk about Usyk. I’m ready, I’m willing, to take on Usyk next – whether it’s gonna be in Saudi Arabia or back here in the UK. Both places will be fantastic.
“And let’s give the fans one champion, one name, one face. Usyk’s up to the challenge. He came over tonight, so fair play to him. He’s not an easy boxer to figure out, he’s a slick, southpaw mover with very good skills, Olympic gold medalist. And he’s coming on some good form so I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
