The head of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, Turki Alalshikh, and former champion Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) addressed the holder of the WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles (over 90.7 kg), Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs).
Turki claimed that Usyk is not preparing for the rematch, instead dedicating his time to filming "The Smashing Machine," starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Emily Blunt. The Ukrainian will play the role of legendary former MMA champion Igor Volchanin.
"You're wasting your time with The Rock and the movie, while we’re training," said Turki.
Tyson also urged Oleksandr to return to training and threatened him with a knockout.
"We're preparing for you, Usyk. Get well, brother. See you in December for a big knockout and a big show. Let's go. Get back to the gym," declared Fury.
Recall that on May 18, Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury by split decision, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999 when Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in a rematch.
The rematch is scheduled for December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The winner will likely face the victor of the bout between Anthony Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) and IBF champion Daniel Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs), scheduled for September 21 at Wembley Stadium in London, UK.