Heavyweights Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury have adopted contrasting approaches in preparing for their rematch in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, particularly regarding their interactions with their families.
Both fighters have large families, but while British boxer Fury revealed that he has not spoken to his wife Paris for three months during his training camp in Malta, Ukrainian Usyk, 37, shared that he speaks to his wife and children daily, although he has not seen them in five months.
“It’s helped me – because it’s my family,” Usyk said on Tuesday.
“My little daughter, Maria, started to walk, say ‘mama’, ‘baba’ [grandmother]. This is real motivation for me.”
WBA (Super), WBO, and WBC heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will face Tyson Fury in their rematch in Riyadh, six months after their thrilling first encounter, which Usyk won by split decision.
Fury, 36, enters the fight as a slight underdog, having been the favorite in their initial bout.
In an effort to minimize distractions, Fury has adopted a no-contact approach with his family during his preparation for the rematch.
“It’s been a long camp – been away from my wife and kids for three months.
“I’ve not spoken to Paris at all for three months – not one word. I’ve sacrificed a lot. But it’ll all be worth it, 100%.”
Paris Fury is expected to be ringside on Saturday.
At six months pregnant, she lost their baby on the eve of the first bout and was unable to join her husband in Riyadh.
She said on Instagram: “People don’t see the sacrifices made.
“I’ve let him solely concentrate on this fight. It seems like he’s been gone forever, especially with no contact. But if it’s what he needs…”