Oleksandr Usyk: "If I Get the Chance to Knock Out Fury in the Rematch, I'll Take It"

Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (22-2, 21 KOs), who holds the WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBO titles, shared his thoughts on the upcoming rematch against former champion Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs).

"It definitely won't be easier. I expect it to be even tougher. I always prepare myself for a hard fight. That kind of mindset motivates me. I don't need things to be easier. You don’t find diamonds in comfort because they’re not there. Success doesn’t come without hard work. Anything that comes easily doesn’t bring great results.

In my fight with Fury, it wasn’t up to me—it was the heavenly forces that decided I’d win the way I did (by decision, not knockout). But if I get the opportunity to knock Tyson Fury out in the rematch, I’ll take it," Usyk stated.

On May 18, Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury via split decision, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years. The highly anticipated rematch is set for December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.