Oleksandr Usyk's promoter, Alex Krassyuk, has responded strongly to Frank Warren’s comment calling Usyk a "crybaby." The dispute pertains to the repeatedly postponed heavyweight fight between Usyk and Tyson Fury, now scheduled for May 18, 2024. This showdown is set to determine the undisputed heavyweight champion, holding all four major belts for the first time since 1999.
The bout was initially slated for February but had to be delayed due to Tyson Fury suffering a cut above his eye from a sparring session with Agron Smakici. Following this incident, Frank Warren labeled Usyk a ‘crybaby,’ provoking a stern response from Krassyuk. During an interview, Krassyuk defended Usyk's track record and criticized Fury's reliability regarding scheduled fights.
"I do hope Tyson Fury will wear his protection gear this time" ????
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) April 30, 2024
Oleksandr Usyk's promoter Alexander Krassyuk looks ahead to the Ukrainian's fight against Tyson Fury ⏳#FuryUsyk | May 18 pic.twitter.com/zBd9bCtRUm
Krassyuk highlighted that Usyk had won his title in Poland and never fought in his homeland to defend it, always challenging opponents in their territories. "How can you call Usyk a crybaby. The man who won his title in Poland, and never defended or had a fight in his homeland. He always went to the backyard of his opponents, and he destroyed them," said Krassyuk.
Moreover, Krassyuk emphasized Usyk’s achievements and persistence in pursuing Fury despite several postponements caused by Fury himself. "He completed the undisputed cruiserweight championship, and now he is the unified heavyweight champion. He has been chasing Fury for several years already,” Krassyuk added sternly.
Krassyuk also mocked Fury’s recent injury which led to another postponement of their fight originally rescheduled from December then February to May: “I do hope that Fury will wear his helmet and protection gear this time and will not injure his eyebrows or whatever he can injure.” He further expressed hope that there would be no more delays: "It’s the fight of a lifetime; the whole world is waiting for it."
The stakes of this fight are high as not only will it unify the heavyweight division but also potentially lines up Anthony Joshua for the next challenge against whoever comes out victorious.
