Coach of the world heavyweight champion (over 101.6 kg) according to the WBC British Tyson Fury (32-0-1, 23 KOs) Sugar Hill Steward gave
interview for the British media.
In a conversation, an American specialist commented on the performance of the unified champion from Ukraine Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) and former British champion Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs) in their last rematch, spoke about a possible duel for the title of absolute champion between Usyk and Fury, and also told what kind of threat the Ukrainian champion poses.
– What is your opinion about the rematch between Usyk and Joshua?
– It was an interesting fight. Much more interesting than the first fight. I think both fighters put in more effort. I enjoyed the fight.
Joshua’s performance was clearly better than in the first fight, but could he have done something differently to improve his chances of winning?
Yes, but I won’t talk about it because it’s already over. I won’t criticize anyone for working with Joshua because I’ve seen improvements in Joshua and I don’t want to take anything away from those improvements. His performance was very impressive for me compared to the first fight. There was a very different Anthony Joshua.
– Did you see something in Usyk this time that you might not have seen in the first fight?
— No, to be honest. He is a winner. He did what needed to be done. He is the same fighter. Fighter with a full set.
- “They were just guessing.” Usyk’s ex-coach criticized Joshua’s staff
– After Usyk’s victory, talk immediately began about the fight for the title of absolute champion against your fighter Tyson Fury. There is no time to rest on our laurels in the heavyweight division. This will be the first undisputed heavyweight title fight in the four belt era, which is very exciting. Does this fight excite you?
Any fight with Tyson Fury excites me. I am 100% honest. For me, they are all big fights, and they are all the same. I do not distinguish them by the number of belts or their absence. Every fight for me is a big championship fight. Here’s how I look at it.
Fury said he could beat both Joshua and Usyk in the same night.
– I already said this before, even before him. Tyson stole a quote from me [улыбается].
– Did you talk to Tyson after Saturday?
Yes, I spoke to him. And that was one of the things we talked about – two in one night. No disrespect to the fighters, but that’s how I feel. We can fight both fighters on the same night. Easily.
What threat can Usyk pose to Tyson Fury?
Usyk knows how to win. I like to watch Usyk. I like the things he can do. I look and think: “Yes, he can be a threat to anyone, even Tyson.” Because he knows how to pull a win, and that’s what Tyson does. This predetermines an interesting duel. Tyson has fallen before, Usyk hasn’t, but it’s still a heavyweight division where anyone can be knocked down or knocked out. That’s why it’s a heavyweight division and that’s why it’s the great granddaddy of all divisions. That’s what the spectacle brings – the big guys.
As Tyson Fury’s coach, do you see Usyk as a bigger challenge than Dillian Whyte in April?
“I wouldn’t say so. I treat them all the same. One hit can end everything in the heavyweight division. The proverb says – hit and do not miss in return. Don’t miss the big hits. We all know Usyk has good mobility. This is always a threat to anyone, no matter how big or small you are. Look, this fighter creates different angles, different lines of attack. One mistake from Tyson Fury and Usyk can beat him. Usyk brings to the ring the ability to create, to make things real. So does Tyson Fury. It will be an interesting fight for me because of their mindset to get in the ring and see which one of them is the best chess player.
- Fury doesn’t want to fight Usyk, but he’ll have to: Hearn explains why