While the boxing world eagerly anticipates the first unification of the heavyweight division in over two decades, Tyson Fury remains candid about his motivations for Saturday's fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
"The truth is it's exciting to me and attractive because of the amount of money I'm getting paid," Fury stated earlier this week. "Not because of the belts that's on the line."
Despite earning upwards of $100 million for the bout, Fury, 35, likely recognizes the historical significance of this fight. By facing Usyk, he has the chance to solidify his legacy among the greatest fighters in boxing history. Usyk currently holds the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO belts, while Fury has maintained the WBC title since 2020. A victory would place him in the elite company of boxing legends such as Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Muhammad Ali, and Mike Tyson.
Fury's journey to this point has been marked by notable highs and lows. Born two months premature and weighing just 450 grams, Fury's early struggle for survival was indicative of his future fighting spirit. Named after the iconic Mike Tyson by his father, who was also a boxer, Fury began his professional career in 2008. Sixteen years later, he boasts an impressive record of 34 wins, 24 by knockout, and no defeats, aside from a draw with Deontay Wilder in 2018.
His career's pinnacle came with a unanimous points victory over Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, but personal struggles followed. Testing positive for nandrolone and cocaine led to a mental health crisis and the relinquishment of his titles. Fury's comeback, supported by his wife Paris, culminated in reclaiming his dominance in the heavyweight division.
In his last match, also in Riyadh, Fury faced UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Despite a lackluster performance and being knocked down in the third round, Fury secured a controversial split decision victory. This has not deterred former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis from backing Fury to claim the unified title.
"Tyson Fury's got lots of different weapons in his arsenal," Lewis said. "Those fights with Deontay Wilder showed his skill, talent, and ring generalship. I would put money on Fury—as long as it is the 100 percent focused Fury."
Fury himself remains confident, viewing this fight as his defining moment. "If Tyson Fury can't beat Usyk, Tyson's no good, end of," he declared. "This is my time, my destiny, my era, and my generation. Fact."
While Fury may downplay the significance of the belts, Saturday’s match against Usyk is set to be a historic event, with the potential to etch his name among boxing's all-time greats.
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