Tyson Fury ‘feels sorry’ for Oleksandr Usyk as Brit vows to put rival back down a division

has dismissed the idea that defeating in their rematch would be his crowning achievement in boxing despite the fact he is facing the man who ended his undefeated streak in May and is currently considered the top heavyweight of this era.

Usyk, 37, holds undisputed champion titles in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight categories, boasting an impeccable professional record and numerous major amateur accolades. However, Fury, 36, contends that his victory over Wladimir Klitschko, when he was a significant underdog, was his most monumental moment.

Alternatively, his two triumphs over feared hitter Deontay Wilder after shedding 10 stone, battling addiction, and overcoming an anti-doping ban could also be considered for this honour given the circumstances. Yet, Fury believes that defeating Usyk this weekend would not be the highlight of his 36-fight career because it wouldn’t come as a surprise – at least not to him.

“I’m expected to do it,” he stated. “When I beat Klitschko, I was expected to get the floor wiped with me. Beating this fellow, after losing by one point in my last fight on a split decision, It wouldn’t be like, ‘Oh my God, massive upset’.”

This is certainly up for debate. As they step into the ring again tonight at the Kingdom Arena, which has become the epicentre of major boxing events, Usyk is the favourite. Fury maintains that their last bout was a close call.

One judge scored the fight 114-113 in favour of Fury, while the other two sided with Usyk, scoring it 114-113 and 115-112. However, as the bout progressed into the latter half, it seemed clear that the Ukrainian had taken the lead, particularly after he forced a count in the ninth round and nearly ended the fight.

“I finished stronger than him in Round 12,” Fury contended. “He got carried back to the changing room, believe it or not. He was smashed to bits. “I’ve got a picture on my phone, three days later I never had a mark on me.

“Three days later, he was butchered, broken jaw, broken eye socket, the lot. And that’s not even me at my best, nowhere near.

“I feel sorry for the lad, honestly. They’re talking about trilogies, but [the beating I’m going to put on him] on Saturday night, he’s going to be moving back down to cruiserweight.

“I’m sure on that. But then again, money talks all languages, doesn’t it? There’s a lot of dough involved, so he might want to take another good hiding.”

There is ongoing debate over whether a trilogy fight is contractually obligated. Ultimately, the decision lies with Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, who controls the most crucial aspect of boxing – the purse strings.

Daniel Dubois has expressed interest in fighting the winner, while Anthony Joshua has his sights set on Fury. It’s possible we’ll see a third showdown between these two in the Middle East in the coming months.

Fury’s assertion that this won’t overshadow Klitschko is compelling, but there’s a sense that this fight could be a defining moment in 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 in the possession of Dubois, but they pale in comparison to the title of No 1 in boxing’s glamour division. Fury has been training in Malta for the past three months in preparation for tonight’s fight.

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

Instead of pondering over what presents will be under the tree this Christmas, Fury’s focus has been on topping the heavyweight division.

If he achieves this, it will be his greatest night, whether he acknowledges it or not.