During a recent news conference in London, Oleksandr Usyk made a striking entrance resembling a video game character, dressed in a suit, complete with a red tie and black gloves. He carried a briefcase that contained a photograph from his previous bout against Tyson Fury, which took place on May 19 in Saudi Arabia. That match concluded with Usyk winning by split decision, making him the first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 24 years. As Usyk approached Fury to request his signature on the photo showcasing Usyk’s left hand connecting with Fury’s jaw, Fury responded with a simple “Nice one” after signing it.

The atmosphere of the press event was characterized by Usyk’s minimal verbal communication. While his appearance certainly garnered attention, it was his actions that punctuated the gathering as both fighters sought to generate interest for their upcoming rematch scheduled for December 21 in Riyadh. Usyk, when asked about his choice of disguise, described it as just a character he was portraying.

When questioned about any changes he planned to make for the rematch, Usyk stated that he didn’t feel a need to alter his approach. He also couldn’t recall any particular surprises from their first encounter, and when pressed for a message to send Fury, his reply was simply “No.” In contrast, Fury entertained the audience by mimicking Usyk’s terse answers while expanding on his own expectations for the rematch. Their upcoming fight will feature three major titles at stake: the WBA, WBO, and WBC. Although Usyk had also won the IBF title in May, he was forced to relinquish it in June.

Fury elaborated on his strategy for the rematch, emphasizing the importance of improved focus and intelligence in order to secure victory. He outlined his preparation plan, which includes rigorous training, maintaining a healthy diet, and prioritizing rest. Fury expressed confidence, stating, “I believe it will be my time this time. I believe all things that happen, negative or positive, are lessons. We must learn from them.” The stage is set for an intense showdown as both champions prepare to face off once more.