OLEKSANDR USYK was scared that Tyson Fury was going to lose to Francis Ngannou according to the Ukranian’s promoter.
Alex Krassyuk has claimed that Usyk was “sweating” during the fight over concerns Fury’s poor performance would throw their upcoming bout into doubt.
Fury narrowly beat MMA fighter Ngannou by split decision in a shock match up that saw the Brit boxer knocked to the floor in the third round.
Few people were expecting the fight to be as close as it was and that included Usyk who was watching on from ringside.
Krassyuk revealed that the heavyweight southpaw was nervous that his world title showdown would be called off with a loss.
Speaking on The Hook podcast he said: “Can you imagine [if he lost]? Usyk was sweating throughout the fight because there was a chance for Tyson to lose.
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“If he lost, who would watch this fight [Fury vs Usyk]? This [Ngannou] fight didn’t seem to be a big success in the US. A couple of hours ago, I saw the reports from the pay-per-views in the US,
“So this was the fight that did not bring that much attention. But I think it’s going to be completely different when he fights Usyk.
“Usyk has always been confident in what he does. Otherwise, there is no space for him in boxing.
“I mean, he became the undisputed cruiserweight and he went to run for the undisputed heavyweight race. And well, that’s where he is now and he has just one belt left.”
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And it was evident that Usyk was shocked by what was unfolding in front of his eyes.
Cameras in Riyadh caught his reaction to Fury being knocked to the canvas at the hands of Ngannou.
Usyk began scratching his head in disbelief and was left with his eyes wide open in shock.
The 36-year-old’s highly anticipated fight with Fury was due to take place on December 23, but has since been delayed until early 2024.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
