Oleksandr Usyk will take on Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in an event billed as the ‘Ring of Fire.’ However, the Ukrainian’s past is here to haunt him! As the scheduled date for Fury vs. Usyk on February 17 inches closer, Artur Beterbiev, Usyk’s former rival’s old offer to ‘The Gypsy King’ recently surfaced online. ‘The Cat’ and the Russian haven’t faced each other in their pro career, but that’s not the case for their amateur days.

Notably, the pair had faced each other on three different occasions. In one such amateur contest, held in 2007, the Russian defeated Usyk in a light heavyweight fight of four rounds. However, it’s worth mentioning that Usyk defeated Beterbiev twice in the 2011 and 2012 Olympics. In an interview with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions from December 2022, Beterbiev offered a helping hand to Fury. 

Artur Beterbiev wanted to punch Oleksandr Usyk for fun

Beterbiev had just come out of a press conference with Anthony Yarde as Dev Sahni caught up with the Russian. Sahni questioned Beterbiev whether he would want to fight Usyk someday. In response, the undefeated knockout artist had suggested he would like to punch him once for fun. “I can punch him once, you know. For fun, just for fun,” said Beterbiev.

However, Sahni had highlighted Fury’s statement, where Fury had claimed he would slap Usyk when they got in the ring. Coupled with Beteriev’s punch, the reporter had claimed it wouldn’t be a great day for Usyk. So, the Russian stated he would help Fury if he needed it. “Yeah, I will help for Tyson Fury if he needed,” said Beterbiev. However, in a recent interview, Beterbiev also gave his prediction for the upcoming fight between Usyk and Fury.

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Beterbiev claims the fighter who is preparing better will win

According to a report from Sports Illustrated’s FanNation, Beterbiev recalled all the encounters he had with heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Meanwhile, he also revealed who he thinks would win the upcoming fight next month. The Russian recalled his prediction for Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua, claiming, “I said when they fight, Oleksandr Usyk with Joshua, I said I think Joshua is going to win,” said Beterbiev.

Also Read: “Still Don’t Understand Where That Ridiculous Power Comes From”: Artur Beterbiev Stunning Oleksandr Usyk During 2011 Fight Leaves Fans Amused

He cited Joshua being “a real heavyweight” as his reasoning behind the choice. However, everyone knows what happened when they fought. However, Beterbieve is yet again confident about Usyk’s opponent winning the fight this time around. “Now, too! I think Tyson Fury is going to win. But who’s preparing well, he’s going to win,” said Beterbiev.

With the fight night just around the corner, an old interview with Beterbiev reveals how he offered to punch Usyk as a joke. However, his recent statement suggests he is favoring Fury to win the fight! Who do you think will win?

Watch This Story: Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk Tentative Timeline