Oleksandr Usyk is just hours away from the biggest fight of his career to date but the Ukrainian is unhappy with the fighting conditions.
Oleksandr Usyk has lodged a complaint ahead of his fight with Tyson Fury (Image: Getty)
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Oleksandr Usyk has complained about the fighting conditions ahead of his bout with Tyson Fury on Saturday night – sharing his unhappiness with the ring canvas at the arena in Saudi Arabia following the public workouts. Both Fury and Usyk went through a practice session with their respective coaches on Wednesday evening, being in the ring for the first time ahead of their fight in Riyadh on Saturday.
The two fighters both looked comfortable, going through their progressions and hitting the bags in a public workout with reporters and photographers in attendance. But after leaving the ring, Usyk had reportedly made his thoughts clear that he’s unhappy with the canvas – specifically the seams holding it together, Sky Sports News reported.
Usyk’s team has since said to have complained about the ring canvas to the necessary authorities, with them reportedly concerned about the seam causing a fall by either of the boxers. There are echoes of Fury’s own concerns with the canvas ahead of his fight with Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 where he would eventually claim the world titles.
The canvas is identical to the one used in recent heavyweight fights in Saudi Arabia and the UK – with Usyk said to have fought in the exact same conditions in his second bout against Anthony Joshua.
Fury has already stated that he will play mind games with Usyk throughout the week, promising a new ring walk on Saturday night.
He said: “I’m always on the wind up, aren’t I? I think I was born winding people up. Keep tuned and keep your eyes peeled, we’ve got some big stuff coming over the next few days.
“I always have a crazy little ring walk and you wouldn’t expect anything different for the biggest fight in my life, would you? I don’t think it’s ever been done before so it’s definitely going to be a surprise.”
Usyk watched on as Fury had been preparing in the ring (Image: Getty)
Usyk comes into the fight as the slight underdog against Fury, with both men undefeated throughout their careers.
However, Fury will fight for the first time since his split decision win over Francis Ngannou – regarded as one of his worst career performances to date.
