Oleksandr Usyk has revealed he was 'worried' about Tyson Fury after the Gypsy King sustained a serious eye injury earlier this year.
But the 37-year-old is raring to go ahead of their battle on May 18 and can't see the bout being pushed back again.
Fury and Usyk had originally been due to fight in December.
However, with the Briton needing more time to recover from his narrow win over Francis Ngannou, the situation then changed.
Boxing: Oleksandr Usyk has discussed Tyson Fury's eye injury ahead of their fight on May 18
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The battle was delayed until March, only for Fury to then sustain a gruesome cut above his eye.
The two boxers ultimately had no other option than to push the fight back, frustrating fans in the process.
Some have mischievously claimed the injury was deliberate and that Fury wanted more time to boost his chances of coming out on top.
But Usyk, speaking to TNT Sports, doesn't buy into that narrative.
He said: "I was worried about Tyson Fury, that there might be injuries and that our fight might not take place.
"If he was performing, I think he deserves an Oscar."
Fast-forward to now and, with just eight days to go until the fight, another postponement doesn't seem likely.
Usyk can't see the huge event in Saudi Arabia being pushed back again, insisting it has to happen because all the paperwork has been signed.
"It has to happen because we have a contract," he added. "It's a problem only for Tyson Fury.
"Tyson Fury signed a contract, so he has to fight."
Usyk, at the age of 37, is a fighter seemingly approaching the twilight years of his career.
He won gold at the London Olympics back in 2012 and has since established himself as one of the best heavyweights in the division.
If Usyk does come out on top, he'll be crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in a quarter of a century.
He's also aiming to hold all four major belts in two divisions, having previously flourished as a cruiserweight.
And Usyk feels he has plenty more to give as the mouthwatering clash in Riyadh creeps closer.
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Boxing: Oleksandr Usyk is confident he'll come out on top when he faces Tyson Fury
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"I feel incredible, as good as I did at the 2012 Olympic Games," he said.
"Just as young and energetic, with a big desire to move forward.
"It's the most important fight of my career, my sports career and my sporting life.
"I want to say that my victory is the victory of the entire Ukrainian people, and defeat is personal.
"It has been an incredible journey. I can do anything now."
Boxing: Tyson Fury has recovered after suffering a gruesome eye injury earlier this year
Fury, meanwhile, has been working hard in the gym to ensure he's in top physical shape for the fight.
And Frank Warren, the Briton's promoter, is confident his man will reign supreme.
"He's in tremendous shape not just physically but mentally," he said.
"I'm confident we are going to get a vintage performance, I spoke to him during the week."
He added: "He has worked really hard so that he is in his best nick on May 18.
"I just feel he is going to put on a magnificent performance and stop Usyk."
