Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury were involved in an epic 11-minute staredown ahead of their world heavyweight championship rematch on Saturday.
Neither the Gypsy King nor the Ukrainian champion would break away from the face off in what is surely one of the longest stand-offs in boxing history.
The staredown lasted an extraordinary 11 minutes and 13 seconds as the pair prepare to face off for the second time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Fury is out for revenge after suffering the first fight of his professional career in a fiery battle against Usyk in May.
“I’m going to dish out a whole lot of pain,” Fury said. “I’ve got nothing to say apart from there’s going to be a whole of pain and hurt in this fight.
“This time I’m serious… watch me go to work.”
THIS WAS INTENSE! USYK AND FURY FACE OFF! 👀 😤#Usyk2Fury pic.twitter.com/rab75GLugK
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) December 19, 2024
Usyk did not respond to the Englishman’s threats, responding in a typically measured fashion as the pair faced the media ahead of Saturday;s showdown.
“We have just a performance, talk, cameras, lights, kind of a show,” the Ukrainian said. “Everything’s going to be taking place Saturday night on the 21st.”
For his final message to Fury, Usyk calmly said: “Don’t be afraid, I will not leave you alone. See you on Saturday.”
Saturday’s rematch is a chance for Fury to win back three of the world titles, the WBC, WBO and WBA belts, which he has held at different times.
