Thursday02 January 2025
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Horyunov: It makes sense for Fury to attempt to overpower Usyk with brute force.

The editor-in-chief of vRINGe.com, Anton Horyunov, believes that in the rematch, Tyson Fury will attempt to defeat Oleksandr Usyk using a different strategy.
Горюнов: Фьюри разумно попытается подавить Усика грубой силой.

Oleksandr Usyk has entered the top-10 of the oldest champions in the 140-year history of heavyweight boxing. Does he have the potential to surpass Vitali and Volodymyr Klitschko in this ranking? What can we expect from the Usyk – Tyson Fury rematch, and should we get used to the idea that Ukraine's major victories in heavyweight boxing may soon be a thing of the past? The champion discussed these questions with the editor-in-chief of the international specialized project vRINGe.com, Anton Horyunov.

Mr. Horyunov, can Usyk break the Klitschko brothers' records and become the oldest among Ukrainian champions?

If he wishes to surpass Volodymyr, it is indeed feasible. The more pressing question is whether Usyk actually desires that. I am confident that Oleksandr will compete for as long as he deems necessary. Fortunately, he is his own master in that regard. Given that he has already achieved everything and proven himself, it is reasonable to assume that we are currently witnessing the final chords of his truly great career.

– In December, Usyk is set to face Tyson Fury in a rematch. Will it be more challenging for Oleksandr than in their first fight? How do you envision the scenario and outcome of this bout?

– Just like before the first fight, we can only speculate. There is no doubt about Usyk's absolute readiness, but how Fury will perform this time is a mystery. I would suggest that if Tyson couldn't outbox Oleksandr in May, it would be reasonable for him to try to overpower the Ukrainian with brute strength this time. Moreover, the Briton already has successful experience with Wilder, where he drastically changed tactics in the rematch. In that case, Usyk would face a completely different kind of threat. How well he can handle it will only be revealed during the "performance." Obviously, I’m not revealing anything new, and Oleksandr's camp is considering such an option. Therefore, they will be prepared for it. I can't say that I have no doubts about Usyk's repeated success. However, I still believe that the odds are in his favor, 60 to 40.

Олександр Усик та Тайсон Ф'юрі

Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury

Getty Images

– If Usyk wins against Tyson Fury, he will face Dubois next – again for the undisputed title, as Usyk voluntarily relinquished the championship belt in favor of Daniel. Many were surprised by this generous gesture from Oleksandr. What logic do you see behind this decision? Why did Usyk do it?

– Well, first of all, I wouldn’t rush to conclusions, as it seems that Dubois is expected to have a rematch with Joshua in February. And in my opinion, the outcome favors Daniel is not at all obvious. As for Usyk's "voluntary" relinquishment of the title, it was simply a "preemptive play for the sake of the beauty of the gesture" from Oleksandr. Considering the necessity to provide an immediate rematch for Fury, Usyk couldn't conduct a mandatory defense against Dubois, as insisted by the IBF, and thus he would have lost the title regardless.

– It seems that Usyk's upcoming fights will take place exclusively in Saudi Arabia? Do you think hosting major sports and music events is the right position for the Saudis, who aim to reduce their country's dependence on natural resources in the long run?

– As long as Turki Al al-Sheikh is actively spending Saudi money on boxing, it is likely that Usyk will indeed be "tied" to the Riyadh Season project. However, it doesn't necessarily mean it will be Saudi Arabia – the rematch with Dubois could very well take place at London's Wembley. Moreover, let's not forget Oleksandr's desire to perform at the "Olympic" in Kyiv – I believe he hasn't given up on that idea.

In general, I think that sooner or later, the Saudis will "play out" in sports, and then either completely cut this expenditure or reduce it to 1-2 shows a year, if we are talking about boxing. For them, it is not about profit at all, but more about beautifying the "showcase" of the country. And less about innocent entertainment for those in power with unlimited financial resources. Of course, as boxing fans, we currently benefit from this, getting the fights we could only dream of before. But who knows what these sheikhs are thinking...

– Usyk's career is now both at its peak and simultaneously at its final stretch. Who will succeed Oleksandr in the heavyweight division? Thanks to the Klitschko brothers and Usyk, we have become accustomed to the dominance of Ukrainians in heavyweight boxing. Soon, will we have to part ways with this pleasant familiarity?

– Unfortunately, it seems likely. At least, I personally do not see anyone close in talent and prospects at the moment. However, I sincerely hope that guys like Syrenko, Rohava, and others will prove my assumptions wrong over time.

Maxim Rozenko, Champion

Responsible editor – Denys Shakhovets