In an exclusive interview with Babcock on the “TMZ Sports” TV show, heavyweight boxing sensation Tyson Fury, accompanied by his 12-year-old son Prince John James, discussed the enormity of his upcoming fight against Oleksandr Usyk this Saturday.
The 35-year-old Gypsy King compared the significance of this bout to his previous high-profile matches, stating, “It’s definitely up there with the big ones. The second Wilder fighter when we were both champions, both undefeated, he was 43-0 with 42 KOs. I was 30-0. The Klitschko fight, that was a big one for me. But this is equally as big.”
Fury emphasized the historic nature of the event, taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with all the belts on the line. “We’re in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with all the belts on the line. The biggest fight this century. The first time this century there will be an undisputed champion crowned. So it’s all to look forward to,” he said.
In November 2015, Fury, then an undefeated challenger in his mid-20s, shocked the boxing world by defeating heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko via unanimous decision, despite being a significant underdog. Years later, after establishing himself as one of the best fighters in the world, Fury engaged in an epic trilogy with Deontay Wilder, which is considered one of the greatest in boxing history. The first fight ended in a draw, while Fury emerged victorious in the second and third encounters.
When asked about his legacy and the importance of becoming an undisputed champion, Fury expressed a refreshing perspective. “I’m not interested in legacies and being the best ever or not. I’m just interested in living for today, and living for now, and what’s in front of me Saturday night is Usyk. Even after that, I’m not really interested in what people have got to say, whether they want to rank me or don’t rank me or whatever. It doesn’t really mean much to me at all,” he stated.
Fury went on to discuss his priorities beyond boxing, emphasizing the importance of being a good father, husband, and son. “What I want to be known as is a good parent when I’m finished. I wouldn’t want to be known as a boxer. I want to be known as a good father, a good husband, and a good son. That’s a treat to me. Boxing is like a job. Whether I was good or bad at my job, I made a s\*\*\* ton of money at it. I’m providing for my kids and that’s what it’s about as a father,” he shared.
The presence of Fury’s son, Prince John James, by his side during the interview underscored the significance of family in the boxer’s life.
As the highly anticipated fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk approaches, fans and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this historic event. With all the belts on the line and the prospect of crowning an undisputed champion for the first time this century, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Regardless of the result, Fury’s legacy as a boxing great and a devoted family man seems secure.