Oleksandr Usyk has shown remarkable grace in forgiving Tyson Fury's unsportsmanlike behaviour following their heavyweight clashes last year.
The Ukrainian champion, who defeated Fury twice in 2024, maintains a respectful stance despite his rival's poor conduct after their December bout.
"I respect Tyson," Usyk told The Sun. "I think me and Tyson respect each other. 'Greedy Belly' has been my best opponent and my best friend."
The 38-year-old's magnanimous response stands in stark contrast to the aftermath of their encounters, where Fury failed to acknowledge his opponent's superior skill.
Boxing news: Oleksandr Usyk has praised Tyson Fury despite the Gypsy King refusing to acknowledge his rival's quality following his second defeat in December
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"It's just bad behaviour," Usyk added simply. "My other opponents have shown good behaviour and respect."
Unlike fellow British fighters Tony Bellew, Derek Chisora and Anthony Joshua, Fury refused to acknowledge Usyk's achievements in their December post-fight press conference.
Instead of crediting the man he had previously dismissed as a "blown up middleweight", Fury blamed poor scoring for his defeat.
The contrast was particularly stark given Fury's initial warmth after their first encounter in May, where he had been "all kisses and cuddles".
Boxing news: Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson FUry twice in 2024
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"It's just a problem for Tyson, not for me," Usyk reflected. "I respect my opponents and for me that's very important."
The intensity of their rivalry was perhaps best exemplified in their remarkable 12-minute face-off before their final clash.
During this confrontation, Fury towered over Usyk, unleashing a barrage of insults and threats, calling him a "bug-eyed b*****d" and a "f***ing rat".
Yet Usyk remained unfazed, even finding humour in the situation.
"When we had our last face-to-face I got a sore neck from being so close and having to look up at him," he recalled.
"I thought, 'What is going on? It should not be like this.' But I think that Tyson had big shoes on.
"When Tyson was calling me names, I just thought, 'Good, we go to work.'"
During the extended staredown, Usyk remained remarkably composed despite the heated atmosphere.
"After we did about 10 minutes of staring and everyone was shouting around us, my team were holding onto the back of my jacket and pulling me back and away. But I told them I was relaxed," he revealed.
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The Ukrainian champion's mind was far from idle during the confrontation.
"After 12 minutes, my mind was just whirring about my life, my fights, my friends, my mind works at speed," he explained.
"The stuff that happens before the fight is just for show."
Derek Chisora, speaking recently, noted that Usyk has left his UK opponents with PTSD.
Boxing news: Tyson Fury recently announced his retirement, having lost to Oleksandr Usyk for a second time in December
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He pointed to how Bellew and Fury retired after facing Usyk, Joshua experienced an emotional breakdown, and Dubois surrendered in the ring after a stiff jab.
When confronted with these observations about his impact on British heavyweights, Usyk remained characteristically humble.
"I don't know, I really don't know, I have no idea," he responded. "Maybe because I win? But Derek is a great man.
"I am proud of my family and of my team. What I do in boxing is just sport."
