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

Loose Women’s Denise Welch rushed to hospital after returning from dream holiday

Loose Women’s Denise Welch has opened up about her recent health setback, revealing that she was rushed to hospital after returning from an idyllic holiday with a…

Escape to the Country star says ‘I’m going to become a father’ in heartwarming BBC twist

Escape to the Country star Steve Brown had a heartwarming announcement to share with viewers in the latest instalment of the BBC property seriesIn the latest episode…

Richard Osman shares Gino D’Acampo insight on ‘pattern of behaviour’ amid claims

Richard Osman has spoken out about the allegations of sexually inappropriately behaviour made against Gino D’Acampo, giving his behind-the-scenes take on his shows being droppedRichard Osman has…

I’m A Celebrity spin-off set to return after two years away with stellar line-up

I’m A Celebrity’s spin-off series is returning after two years on ITV, as Ant and Dec head back to South Africa for the second series of South…

ITV Loose Women star details health scare after being rushed to hospital

The Loose Women favourite has spoken out about a terrifying health scare after she collapsed at homeLoose Women favourite Andrea McLean has bravely spoken out about a…

ITV Loose Women’s Ruth Langsford drinks six ingredient superfood juice

TV star Ruth Langsford promoted an important three-word message alongside a snap of her vivid green juiceRuth Langsford has lifted the lid on a simple superfood concoction…