Tyson Fury has rejected the idea that defeating Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch would be his crowning achievement in boxing, even though he is scheduled to face a man who ended his undefeated streak in May and is now considered the top heavyweight of his era.

Usyk, 37, holds undisputed titles in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, boasting an impeccable professional record and numerous major amateur accolades. But the 36-year-old Fury says his most monumental moment was his victory over Wladimir Klitschko when he was a significant underdog.

Alternatively, given the circumstances, his two triumphs over feared hitter Deontay Wilder after throwing 10 stone, battling addiction and overcoming a doping ban could be included in the honor. Fury, however, believes that beating Usyk this weekend won’t be the highlight of his 36-fight career because it wouldn’t be a surprise – at least not to him.

“I’m expected to do it,” he said. “When I beat Klitschko, they expected me to wipe the floor with him. Beating this guy after losing by one point in my last fight by split decision wouldn’t be like, “Oh my God, huge upset.” “

This is certainly up for debate. When they step into the ring again tonight at the Kingdom Arena, which has become the epicenter of boxing’s biggest events, Usyk is the favorite. Fury maintains their last fight was a close draw.

One of the judges scored the fight 114-113 in Fury’s favor, while the other two sided with Usyk, scoring 114-113 and 115-112. However, as the second half of the fight progressed, it seemed clear that the Ukrainian had taken the lead, especially after he forced a countout in the ninth round and almost ended the fight.

“I ended up stronger than him in round 12,” Fury said. “Believe it or not, he was carried back to the locker room. He was blown to pieces. “I have a photo on my phone, three days later I had no mark on me.

“Three days later he was massacred, his jaw was broken, his eye socket was damaged and so on. And I’m not even in the best shape, not even a little bit.

“Honestly, I feel sorry for the boy. They talk about trilogies, but… [the beating I’m going to put on him] he plans to return to cruiserweight on Saturday night.

– I’m sure of it. But then again, money speaks all languages, right? This involves a lot of money, so maybe he’ll want to hide even better.

There is ongoing debate as to whether a trilogy fight is contractually obligated. Ultimately, the decision rests with Saudi boxing broker Turki Alalshikh, who controls the most critical aspect of boxing – the purse strings.

Daniel Dubois has expressed interest in fighting the winner and Anthony Joshua has his sights set on fighting Fury. We may see a third clash between these two in the Middle East in the coming months.

Fury’s assurance that it won’t overshadow Klitschko is persuasive, but there is a sense that this fight could be the defining moment of his career. He may not secure the undisputed crown that Usyk won in May as the IBF is now in the hands of others.

The WBA, WBO and WBC belts may be held by Dubois, but they pale in comparison to glamor boxing’s No. 1 title. Fury has been training in Malta for the past three months in preparation for tonight’s fight.

Despite his Santa-like beard, with only a lick of white hair dye left to complete, he left the Christmas shopping to his wife Paris, who will be at ringside tonight after missing their May date due to a miscarriage.

Instead of wondering what presents would be under the tree this Christmas, Fury focused on conquering the heavyweight division.

If he can do this, it will be his greatest night, whether he admits it or not.

Oleksandr Usyk admits that Tyson Fury put pressure on himself during the competition, but promises to stay composed before the rematch.

Usyk will defend his unified heavyweight world tiles against Fury on Saturday in Riyad in a long-awaited second appearance, seven months after inflicting his first defeat against “The Gypsy King”.

Fury has been extremely reserved throughout the build-up, but has remained consistent in his vow to hurt the Ukrainian when they meet at the Kingdom Arena.

Usyk insists he has no problems connecting with the Briton outside the ring and believes the two will look back on their rivalry with fondness in the years to come.

“Yes, I enjoy it [confrontation with Fury]– said the 37-year-old TNT sports boxing.

“Because these are emotions.

“These are memories that are created when we get older, when we are two vintage people.

“He [Tyson] he promised to come to Ukraine.

“So he will come to Ukraine, to my ranch.

“We’ll be drinking beer and he’ll say, ‘Oh, remember when you beat me twice?’

Saudi Arabian boxing boss Turki Alalshikh has expressed his desire to see a trilogy fight if Fury wins.

After Thursday’s press conference, the two looked down and exchanged words for 11 minutes before being separated by security.

Usyk admits the verbal battle can be exhausting and forces him to maintain his composure.

“I feel like punching him in the face,” he added.

“His [Tyson] cheeks turn red.

“But I remember that I have to stay composed and I pray, saying, ‘Lord, please aid him and me.’

‘The Cat’ became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis when he beat the Morecambe man in May, but vacated the IBF title shortly afterwards to secure a rematch.

Daniel Dubois, who has been elevated to full IBF champion and will defend his crown against Joseph Parker on Feb. 22 in Riyad, will stand ringside and call on the winner to unite.

“I’m here in Saudi Arabia and I want a winner on Saturday night,” said the 27-year-old talkSPORT.

“I want to fight for an undisputed result, that’s the game now and that’s the goal.

“100% [I would beat them]. This is my time now.

“I’ve had my ups and downs, but I’m a up-to-date man.”

Tyson Fury won the beard fight ahead of his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.

The “Gypsy King” has vehemently opposed Usyk’s team’s demands to reduce his facial hair ahead of their heavyweight title rematch and will enter the ring with his beard intact, according to Frank Warren. Speaking to Sky Sports, Warren explained: “He has a beard and there have been a lot of players over the years who have struggled with beards and that’s all.”

Furthermore, promoter Warren revealed that Usyk would not be allowed to place a crucifix at ringside, a gift from Greek monks. Usyk, who visibly kissed the cross during the previous match, claiming that it improved his performance, will not be able to exploit this potential source of inspiration this time.

Warren explained the situation: “There was a lot of speculation after the fight, they weren’t sure what it was. We just went through it all. If something other than water is being used in the athlete’s mouth, the inspector will take the athlete away and hold him, and if they find something wrong, they will look into it, test it, whatever it is, whatever they have to do.

Fury’s team asked for clarification on low blows ahead of Friday’s rules meeting. They want to avoid a repeat of the controversy that emerged when Usyk was hit with a low blow by Daniel Dubois in their 2023 fight. Warren commented: “This is what is considered a low blow or not. Anything below the navel is a low blow, and many players wear their shorts higher, which sometimes leads to, you might say, confusion, as was the case with Usyk and Daniel Dubois.

“There was a problem in this fight and we don’t want that to happen, neither does the other side, so the referee made it very clear, what the referee didn’t explain in the previous fight, he didn’t come and give some instructions in the boxers’ locker rooms to make sure everyone understand this explanation and that we know what a low blow is.”