Having finished his last four opponents (including Wilder on two occasions), Usyk would be almost certain to enter any fight with Fury as the underdog. ‘The Cat’ is also undefeated at 20-0, though the former cruiserweight king has only fought four times as a heavyweight.
The Ukrainian briefly paused preparations for his second fight against Joshua to join the national army in its defence against Russia. Figures published by the United Nations earlier in March confirmed more than 8,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed since Russia‘s siege began in February 2022, with another 13,000 or so injured.
Usyk’s swift response puts the ball back in Fury’s court and secures a 30 per cent share of the purse provided the Englishman accepts. The Gypsy King has courted praise in the past for ruling his financial interests in and outside the ring, but it’s Usyk who may be lauded for his role in getting one of the biggest fights in recent heavyweight history across the line.