Usyk: I feel excited by the fact that the whole stadium will support my opponent

Oleksandr Usyk
Oleksandr Usyk

Undisputed cruiserweight champion Alexander Usyk (15-0, 11 KOs) told how he plans to cope with the fact that the entire stadium in Manchester will support Tony Bellew (30-2-1, 20 KOs) on November 10. “It's great when the whole 20-thousand crowd supports your opponent. I feel excited about that. I am supported by a small number of people - these are my relatives, friends, team, and it inspires me, gives me special power to do my work. I follow the plan for the fight, and it's great when I concentrate on my work in the ring.”

- You know Tony Bellew. You’ve sparred with him when you were amateurs. Tell us about your relationship outside the ring.

- We do not have a special relationship. I signed up for his Instagram, and he's on mine. We put likes to each other, write comments. We have a relationship, like two real men. We shake hands, respect each other. Nothing special.

- Tony said that you are an ideal amateur, but not an ideal pro. Why did he say that?

- Let it be. Well, I will be a great amateur. You cannot say that. Only the result shows who is a real pro.

- Do you think he said that to get into your head?

- He has the right to say whatever he wants, but getting into my head will be a challenge for him. I never go on about it.