KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV has told Tyson Fury to snub Anthony Joshua and fight Oleksandr Usyk instead.
The Russian takes on Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 tonight but has been linked with a possible boxing bout with Floyd Mayweather in the future.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has named Tyson Fury in his top four boxersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Eagle wants the Gyspy King to fight Oleksandr UsykCredit: AP:Associated Press
Khabib gave his assessment on his fellow combat sport prior to Vasyl Lomachenko’s recent defeat to Teofimo Lopez.
The 32-year-old had named the Ukrainian as one of the best around but snubbed Anthony Joshua when picking boxing’s best.
He told reporters: “Right now, I think three guys. Oleksandr Usyk, Vasyl Lomachenko and Canelo Alvarez.
“Oh sorry, Tyson Fury too. Four guys. It’s very hard [to decide] who is the best.”
He is not like other heavyweights, more technique, his footwork is very good, his conditioning is very good, I really wanna watch Usyk against Fury.
Khabib Nurmagomedov on Oleksandr Usyk
Fury, 32, recently confirmed he is scrapping his planned trilogy fight against Deontay Wilder and is now free to deliver an all-British heavyweight unification showdown with Joshua next year.
Yet Khabib has claimed he would much rather see the Gypsy King face Usyk.
He added: “I really want to see Usyk vs Fury. It’s gonna be a very good fight. He [Usyk] has very good skill and technique, Tyson Fury too.
“He is not like other heavyweights, more technique, his footwork is very good, his conditioning is very good, I really wanna watch Usyk against Fury.”
Khabib, meanwhile, is ‘destroying everyone’ in the gym ahead of his own fight against Gaethje according to his coach Javier Mendez.
The Russian also revealed he wants to head to England after the fight to watch Manchester United and Liverpool.
SunSport exclusively revealed Tony Ferguson is a potential opponent for Khabib if he decides to fight again.
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje look shredded on scales as UFC 254 rivals both weight-in at 155lbs
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
