Tyson Fury sparring partner responds to reports he dropped champion in training ahead of Oleksandr Usyk fight

The sparring partner has called time on his training camp with Tyson Fury.

A statement has been released after reports claimed Tyson Fury was DROPPED in training ahead of his undisputed clash against Oleksandr Usyk.

Fury has based himself in Saudi Arabia ahead of his monstrous showdown against Usyk on February 17.

The WBC title holder meets the WBA (super), IBF and WBO king in a massive fight to crown an undisputed world heavyweight champion.

Ahead of their Riyadh bout, Fury drafted in The Ring magazine cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia as a sparring partner to help him prepare for Usyk.

A picture on social media of Opetaia training emerged online after the link-up, accompanied with the caption: “Saudi Camp Begins.”

He was also snapped in a picture with Fury.

The 28-year-old is a knockout artist, having won 19 of his 24 professional fights by TKO/KO and most recently starched Ellis Zorro in the first round on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ card last month.

His punching power apparently troubled Fury in training camp, with reports claiming the Australian dropped the undefeated British star.

Jai Opetaia celebrates his victory. Image: Getty
Jai Opetaia celebrates his victory. Image: Getty

However, Opetaia’s Australian co-promoters have denied those claims as they released a statement on social media.

“Jai Opetaia has recently returned from Saudi Arabia where he sparred and trained with Tyson Fury. They were fantastic, competitive rounds and an incredible experience for Jai. However any talk of either boxer being dropped is not true,” the statement read.

“Jai is now back in Australia finalising his preparation to defend his world title and cannot wait to do so in Saudi Arabia.”

Interestingly enough, Opetaia has returned to Australia, having sparred just FIVE rounds with Fury.

He will return to action on the undercard of Fury vs. Usyk as he faces Mairis Briedis for a second time.

Opetaia beat Briedis back in July 2022 to win the IBF and The Ring magazine cruiserweight titles.

They’ll run it back in Saudi Arabia.

Related Posts

“We Can’t Stay Silent!” — Joanna Lumley and Rylan Clark’s RAW On-Air Clash Leaves Britain Shaken!

In a time when public figures often tread carefully around sensitive issues, two of Britain’s most recognizable television personalities — Dame Joanna Lumley and Rylan Clark —…

Rylan Clark Stands Firm After ITV Exit: ‘I Won’t Back Down’ Sparks Nationwide Outpouring of Support

“Rylan Clark’s Heartfelt DEFYING Message After ITV Cuts Him Loose – ‘I Won’t Back Down’” In an emotional sign-off, Rylan, 36, told viewers on Friday: “At last, I…

UNSEEN BACKSTAGE BOMBSHELL” — Shona McGarty BREAKS DOWN in First Interview After Finishing Third, Reveals Hidden Romance with Aitch That Leaves Fans “SCREAMING”

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! star Shona McGarty breaks her silence on close bond with Aitch after pining over his departure – as she…

HEARTBREAKING Jungle: AngryGinge Sobs in His Mother’s Arms Moments After Being Crowned — “I Just Wanted to Make You Proud… I Hope I Did.” As Viewers Break Down in Tears, Calling It “The Most Emotional Finale in Years.”

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! star AngryGinge becomes the first social media star to be crowned King Of The Jungle as he beats Tom…

“IT’S NOT FUNNY—IT’S VIOLENCE”: Catherine Lowe SPARKS OUTRAGE after publicly SLAPPING Sean Lowe for a commercial, ACCUSED OF ENCOURAGING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE after their kids join the attack on camera

Millions of viewers tuned in to watch Bachelor couple Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici marry in a stunning televised ceremony in 2014. After eleven years of marriage and three children,…

“22 YEARS OF LOVE”: Trista & Ryan Sutter Celebrate Their 22nd Anniversary With 22 Throwback Photos, Revealing the Heartwarming Moments, Challenges, and Enduring Romance That Made Them Reality TV Royalty

Blast from the past! Trista and Ryan Sutter found love and got engaged on the very first season of “The Bachelorette.” Trista gave Ryan her final rose…