Wladimir Klitschko is backing Oleksandr Usyk to defeat Tyson Fury in a rematch this Saturday live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Boxing legend Klitschko has been linked with an unexpected return to the sport to claim the world heavyweight title at the age of 48.
It was Fury who defeated the Ukrainian star in 2015 when he became the unified heavyweight champion for the first time.
The rematch the following year was never achieved. But while Klitschko might consider fighting Fury for the world championship, he would never box his countryman Usyk.
Klitschko also said Sky Sports: “Oleksandar Usik will keep me retired.
“That's not going to happen okay. I'm going to stay retired. He's going to keep me retired.”
Klitschko has not boxed since his loss to Anthony Joshua in 2017. But despite being one of Ukraine's most prominent international advocates, he insists he remains in good shape.
“I remember that Alexander called me at the end of March this year, on my birthday, and said: 'Champion, I wish you a happy birthday and I want your dream to become the world's oldest champion to come true.'
“I said: 'Oleksandre, what are you talking about, it will be a struggle for you, you are preparing, keep me retired'.
“So he promised: 'I'll do it, I'll keep it (the championship), but that's what I want for you'.”
Klitschko thinks Usyk will be able to retain the WBC, WBO and WBA world titles he holds when he fights Fury this weekend.
“Olexander will repeat history,” insisted Klitschko. “It's going to be déjà vu. So, a repeat. It's actually happening. I was here for the first fight. It just feels the same and it looks the same and it's the same.
“It's all about strategy. It's all about technique.”
Klitschko absolutely admires Usyk and has a long relationship with his fellow Ukrainian.
“I remember when Oleksandr won the Klitschko tournament as a teenager, this amateur tournament he fought in was named after me and he became the champion. He actually looked up to me. So now I look up to him. How amazing life is,” he said is Klitschko.
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Oleksandra Usyka followed the performance live during a public training session for his rematch against Tyson Fury on December 21.
“We will keep our fingers crossed that this time he will show that he is the worst man on the planet, Oleksandr Usyk.”
'Usyk is indomitable!'
Usyk and Fury fight for the second time in Saturday's event of the season in Riyadh at the Kingdom Arena.
With a split decision win over Fury in May, Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, making him the undisputed ruler of two divisions and the first heavyweight to achieve that status since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
Fury, however, is determined to avenge his first professional loss and beat Usyk. At Thursday's press conference, they faced each other for the first time in fight week, and neither man allowed himself to blink, let alone break away from the intense staredown.
This lasted for more than 11 minutes until finally they allowed them to be taken away.
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Tyson Fury broke the icy atmosphere after his clash with Oleksandr Usyk by joining in a traditional Saudi dance
“It's gone a long way,” promoter Alex Krassyuk said Sky Sports after that reckoning.
However, he doesn't believe the Usyk-Fury fight alone will do that. He advises Usyk to finish it early.
“I think it's going to end up within the distance,” Krasyuk said. “I expect him (Fury) to be better prepared, much better prepared for this.
“So conditioning is not an issue in this fight. Stamina is there. Technically, well, Usyk is better, but Tyson is very good. Size, of course, is an advantage on Tyson's side, but what gives you the win?”
At that, Krasjuk pointed to his head and heart.
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Tyson Fury broke the icy atmosphere after his clash with Oleksandr Usyk by joining in a traditional Saudi dance
He then added: “You can't break Alexander Usyk. He will never back down when it comes to fighting.
“It was like a full 12 rounds for me,” the promoter said, describing the staring press conference.
“Mentally, this is something that helps you win. Mental strength. Usyk has mental strength. It doesn't matter if he's in a bad shape, in a good shape, he finds a way to win. He invents a way to win.
“That's why Tyson is nervous.”
The big heavyweight rematch between Alexander Usyk and Tyson Fury will be live on Saturday 21st. Sky Sports Box Office. Book Usyk v Fury 2 now!