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Oleksandr Usyk is unhappy with the ring canvas ahead of his blockbuster clash with Tyson Fury on Saturday night. The 37-year-old is hoping to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999, with the two men set to finally face each other after months of delays and postponements.
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Usyk previously beat Anthony Joshua with the same canvas back in 2021.
However, according to Sky Sports, he is unhappy with the ring mat and has lodged a complaint to officials. It's claimed he is unhappy with the seams that hold the ring together and wants immediate action to be taken in order to resolve the issue.
Oleksandr Usyk has filed an official complaint ahead of his boxing match with Tyson Fury
REUTERS
It remains to be seen what happens next but officials in Riyadh will want both fighters to be happy as they prepare for the biggest bout of the 21st century.
Usyk trained on the canvas during open workouts on Wednesday.
The boxing star represents the toughest test of Fury's career, despite the Briton beating the likes of Deontay Wilder, Wladimir Klitschko and Derek Chisora in the past.
Fury has recently changed his tune on Usyk, too, in what appears to be a change of tactic.
He's previously called his upcoming opponent a 'sausage' and a 'dosser'.
But Usyk, speaking to the Evening Standard, has insisted he couldn't care less about what Fury has to say.
“Look, I have no idea what Tyson Fury is saying, and I’m not interested at all," he said.
"He repeats the same things again and again, and the fight is postponed again and again, not on my initiative.
"Let him finally get into the ring and try to really show something.”
Fury struggled during his last fight against Francis Ngannou in October.
The Gypsy King was floored in round three, with the world stunned by his abject display.
Though he won via split decision, it means Fury as a point to prove.
Yet while Usyk respects the Briton's fighting mentality, he also believes he's got what it takes to come out on top.
“Fury has fallen and gotten back up many times over his long career and is a boxer who can surprise in both positive and negative ways," he said.
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Oleksandr Usyk is unhappy with the ring canvas ahead of his showdown with Tyson Fury
REUTERS
“But I’m now making sure I’m at my peak on May 18," he added.
"I’m not worried about Fury’s condition, I’m focused on my own shape so I can enter the ring and do my best.
“I respect Fury as a fighter. He wouldn’t be an undefeated heavyweight if he wasn’t good.
"I respect his tenacity and ability to go all the way, getting back up even after hard knocks, both in and out of the ring.
“This is what makes our fight so unique.
Oleksandr Usyk is adamant he'll beat Tyson Fury when they face off on Saturday night
REUTERS
"Two undefeated fighters will compete in the ring, and you will also see the answer to the question about my winning strategy in the ring.”
Regardless of what happens, Fury is expected to face Anthony Joshua next.
Yet Usyk couldn't care less about that potential fight.
“There’s a lot of talk, a lot of hints,” he said. “I don’t think about it at all, I’m not interested.
"And, anyway, after I beat Fury, he can fight whoever he wants. I don’t need additional motivation for this.”