Oleksander Usyk Shuts Down Fury-Joshua, Benavidez Talk

Usyk said his attention remains entirely on Rico Verhoeven despite growing speculation around future fights with Fury, Joshua, and Benavidez

Oleksandr Usyk says he is ignoring growing discussion about Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and David Benavidez while preparing for Saturday’s undisputed heavyweight title fight against Rico Verhoeven in Egypt. Usyk repeatedly shut down questions about future opponents and insisted his full attention remains on the upcoming defense.

“I not think about this now. Yes, we training with AJ together,” said Usyk to Ring Magazine when asked about Fury’s planned November fight with Joshua.

“I said about fight AJ and my friend Greedy Bell after my fight.”

Usyk delivered a similar response when Benavidez’s name was brought into the conversation.

“Now it’s only speak about this,” said Usyk when asked about a possible fight against Benavidez.

“For me first my fight it’s Saturday.”

The 39-year-old Ukrainian is preparing to defend his undisputed heavyweight championship against Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza, one of the most unusual settings of his career. During the interview, Usyk admitted that he never imagined his career would eventually bring him to Egypt for a major fight event.

“I not think about Egypt, you know Saudi,” said Usyk.

“I think okay, you will world champion. But look at the pyramid because it’s wow. It’s a big story.”

Usyk also explained why he no longer views crossover fights negatively, saying his perspective changed after initially questioning Floyd Mayweather’s exhibition against Conor McGregor years ago.

“When Floyd Mayweather prepare fight with McGregor, I think, ‘Why? Why?’” said Usyk.

“Now I think this is good because two sports combo. Boxing, UFC, kickboxing. It’s very popular because people have choice.”

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