Oleksandr Usyk has revealed that he prevented a bloody battle by ordering his team, which includes Ukrainian soldiers, not to retaliate after John Fury head-butted one of his team.
Tyson Fury‘s father began the week of his son’s fight with Usyk to become the first undisputed world heavyweight champion of the four-belt era by rounding on the smallest member of the opposing security detail who were screaming their man’s name at him in the foyer of a luxury hotel.
Blood was flowing down Fury Senior’s face as chaos threatened but Usyk says: ‘I pulled my team back to stop the fighting. They wanted to go. They were looking over to me waiting for the signal. Waiting for the thumbs up but I gave them the thumbs down.’
Perhaps just as well for Big John. Usyk acknowledged that the shocking incident was a bad look for an oft-criticised sport but added: ‘I don’t just have professional coaches and trainers with me. Also professional soldiers. They are very good at wanting to fight. Not boxing. Street fighting. Shooting. Knives.
‘It is a secret who the soldiers are in my team. They were not happy when I raised my hand and waved them back saying please, no. We are professionals.’
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Oleksandr Usyk revealed he ordered his team not to retaliate after John Fury’s headbutt
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John Fury (pictured) was bloodied after he headbutted a member of the Ukrainian’s camp
The moment John Fury headbutts a member of Usyk’s team
Usyk intervened for the sake of boxing and the countries involved, explaining: ‘This is a big event for our people. For the UK, For Ukraine. For Saudi Arabia. And this was bad behaviour from Tyson’s team. It was stupid. I don’t want to call John bad because I don’t know him or his mind. But we had to behave properly’
The elder Fury, who served three years in prison back home for gouging out another man’s eye, gave a further glimpse into his traveller mentality when he said: ‘I always defend my son. We are warriors. It’s what we do.’
What Usyk intends to do is beat Tyson Fury here on Saturday night. Empowered not least by the renewed Russian onslaught on the east of Ukraine. He says: ‘I really appreciate all the support from Ukrainian solders. It is a big motivation. Maybe I motivate my people, too. Maybe.’
Adding Fury’s WBC crown to his WBA, IBF and WBO titles is also on his mind. To make history, yes, but also for something to take home to his two sons and two daughters. ‘The four belts,’ he says, ‘will be one each for my children.’
Usyk senses the irony for the Furys when he concludes: ‘John’s behaviour is another reason why I will win.’
