Tyson Fury has been told by light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev that he would we willing to help him in his efforts to punch Oleksandr Usyk.
The unified 175lb champion is one of the most feared knockout artists in the world, and has yet to go the distance in his professional career; knocking out everyone he has faced. The last time he did lose a fight was in London at the Olympic Finals in 2012, when Usyk handed him a defeat in the medal round of the games.
And he has joked that he would like to punch Usyk once again, as well as helping Fury "if he needs it". The Russian boxer holds three of the four major titles at light-heavyweight; the IBF, WBC and WBO belts, and is set to defend them against Anthony Yarde next year before pursuing a unification of his own against Dmitry Bivol.
"I can punch him once for fun, just for fun," Beterbiev told the Queensberry Promotions official YouTube channel during a recent interview at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Usyk was also present to watch Fury fight Derek Chisora. "I will help for Tyson Fury if he needs it. "
Fury will have a lot of help on offer when he faces Usyk, although he'd likely need a southpaw involved to help him to prepare for Usyk - ruling out the orthodox Beterbiev. The Russian is due to face Yarde at The OVO arena, Wembley on January 28 in a rescheduled bout from last October.
Meanwhile, Fury has yet to announce the date for his bout with Usyk, although it is expected to take part early next year with Saudi Arabia the likely host country. They put on the Ukrainian's first defence against Anthony Joshua in their contractually obligated rematch, and they are keen to have the first undisputed champion in over two decades crowned on their soil.
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The Brit has said that he is going to push to make sure the Usyk fight happens, but he would be willing to have a third fight at home against Joe Joyce as a back-up. He has also refused to rule out a fourth fight down the line with Deontay Wilder, should the American win his WBC final eliminator with Andy Ruiz Jr.
Fury and Usyk went head-to-head at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this month, with the Brit mouthing off while Usyk stared at him from ringside. In a heated rant, he said: "Usyk you’re next you little b****. You are next. Me and you next. You’re next. Rabbit! P****! Fifteen stone little midget bodybuilder. Well I ain’t a bodybuilder, I’m going to write you off .
"You ugly little man. Lets get it on b****. You may laugh now but I’ll end this lil sucker. I’ll end you. You little sucker. What are you gonna do? You’re gonna do f*** all you little sausage."
