USYK DENIES USING PEDS TO BEAT FURY – ‘I’M CLEAN, FURY IS LIKE A YETI’

Oleksandr Usyk has firmly denied rumors that he used performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) during his fight with Tyson Fury, where he became the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion by winning via a split decision. Usyk controlled the fight in the early rounds, with Fury making a comeback in the middle rounds. In the ninth round, Usyk nearly knocked Fury out, prompting the referee to give a standing-eight count. During this interval, Usyk was seen taking a deep breath, while his cornerman appeared to place something near his mouth, leading to speculation that Usyk had used a banned inhaler.

However, video footage revealed that Usyk was kissing his cross, reflecting his deep Christian faith. Usyk, known for his religious devotion, denied the PED accusations. He stated, “Stupid people. Listen, I never used any substance. Never. I’m clean. The cross, it’s my doping. My belief is my doping. Jesus, my family, my team, my country – this my doping.”

In response to Fury’s claim that he actually won the fight, Usyk dismissed the notion. Fury had argued that the decision was influenced by the Russia-Ukraine war and believed he had outboxed Usyk. Fury said, “I’ve watched the fight back lots of times and still got the same answer – I thought I won the fight. Usyk knows he didn’t beat me. I thought I boxed the head right off him for most of the rounds. It was actually a lot easier than I thought it’d be, the Usyk fight. My problem in that fight was I probably had too much fun. It was probably too easy. It was like I was in there with a local amateur.”

Usyk also addressed Fury’s allegation that he had broken Usyk’s jaw, which Usyk denied, although he admitted to experiencing some discomfort. He acknowledged Fury’s skills and anticipates a challenging rematch on December 21. Usyk remarked, “Oh my God, no way! Okay, no problem. The next fight will be easy [for him too]. For me, my fight will be hard because Tyson Fury is big man, a good boxer, with a good boxing IQ. But if Tyson says for him it will be easy, okay, no problem. I see for Tyson Fury, I see for the eyes of Tyson Fury, it’s not easy. It will be hard, very, very hard.

“Tyson (looking directly into the camera) don’t be afraid – I will not leave you alone (blowing a kiss and laughing). No, not break my jaw. Yes, I have a little bit of a problem but I have problems with my fist, my back, my whole body because it’s a hard fight, 47 minutes. You see Tyson Fury, he’s like a yeti. It’s hard. But my face is good, beautiful.”