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Oleksandr Usyk responds to Tyson Fury's 'a lack of respect'
Oleksandr Usyk has reflected on a "great" 2024 while stressing that he has no issue with a lack of respect from Tyson Fury after consecutive victories over his rival.
The Ukrainian became the undisputed heavyweight champion after he swept all four belts by split decision in his first encounter with the Briton last May.
Usyk then won a December rematch by unanimous decision to retain three of the division's crowns, after he relinquished the IBF title to Daniel Dubois.
The latter will put that belt on the line against Joseph Parker live on DAZN Pay-Per-View on Saturday, February 22 at Riyadh Season's The Last Crescendo in Saudi Arabia.
The winner has been touted for another undisputed bout with Usyk, but right now, the star insists he is keeping his mind on rest and those closest to him.
"It was great to fight 24 rounds [last year]," he said. "It was hard just to fight. The second fight, I was more prepared. I did not see my wife or family.
"I was just training, training, training. I'd ask myself what I was doing here. My family motivates me, my family helps me. My wife gives great belief for me, all of the time.
"Ten years ago, I had a problem with my knee. I said my career might be finished. My wife said I was crazy and it was not possible.
"My next plan is to go back to Ukraine. For now, I'll just relax. Now we wait for the fight in February. We'll go. It's fifty-fifty [on the winner]."
The judges viewed Usyk to have outboxed Fury in their second meeting to take the victory, a decision that the latter lambasted as a "robbery" after the bout.
Asked whether he was concerned by a lack of respect from his opponent, the Ukrainian highlighted the conduct of Fury compared to another former foe Tony Bellew as a sharp contrast.
"For me, it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," he added. "[Bellew] had good behaviour and respect. We have the fight, and afterwards, there is no problem.
"It is sport. Tyson, it is a problem for him, not for me. I respect my opponent. For me, it is very important."
Watch Dubois vs Parker and full Last Crescendo card live on DAZN PPV
Watch Daniel Dubois versus Joseph Parker and the full Last Crescendo fight card, including Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2, live on DAZN Pay-Per-View.
The PPV is available to buy now at £19.99 in UK and $25.99 in US.
Buying the DAZN PPV offers a range of extra benefits. including alternative commentary options with Adam Smith or True Geordie or Showbizz the Adult; local language commentary; entry to a prize draw for tickets to Chris Eubank Jr. vs Connor Benn* (for UK only); and a seven-day free trial of the full DAZN platform.
Watch the fight night anywhere with DAZN via smart TV's, smartphones, tablets, games consoles, streaming devices and PC's / laptops.
For PPV costs in your country and to buy now, click here.
*UK only. Restrictions apply. See T&Cs on help.dazn.com. Full T&C's here
**Sports available in free trial dependent on country of residence
