Tyson Fury has finally opened up about his true feelings towards Oleksandr Usyk, acknowledging him as the "real deal" ahead of their highly anticipated bout.
The Gypsy King is set to face the heavyweight world champion Usyk later this month in a historic fight that will determine the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
Despite previously downplaying Usyk's threat to his title, dismissing the former cruiserweight kingpin's chances, Fury has now expressed genuine respect for his opponent. "Oleksandr Usyk's a real bad man and to underestimate Usyk you'd be a mug," he confessed in an interview with Queensberry Promotions. "So I'm training hard for him, I'm doing everything I can.
I respect Usyk as a man. I respect his career as well - Olympic champion, undisputed cruiserweight champion, unified heavyweight champion." READ MORE: 'Vintage performance' - Frank Warren makes bold Tyson Fury prediction for Oleksander Usyk fight READ MORE: Tyson Fury sends two-word message ahead of Oleksandr Usyk fight after Saudi Arabia landing Fury praised Usyk's impressive resume and skill set, saying, "You have to respect that, I'm fighting the real deal.