Oleksandr Usyk has laid down his challenge to heavyweight rival Tyson Fury and is confident of beating him if he sees off Anthony Joshua in their rematch.
The Ukrainian put in a stunning performance to oust Joshua in their bout at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium last month to win the WBA, WBO, IBO and IBF titles.
Fury defended his WBC crown earlier this month by defeating Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas and is now expected to be pitted against mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte next.
It is anticipated that Fury will then move on to the winner of the rematch between Usyk and Joshua in a unification battle, with both rivals hoping to remain on top before going head-to-head.
There has been little by way of a public spat between Usyk and Fury but the Ukrainian fighter has now claimed Fury – known as the ‘Gypsy King’ – is the only one to see himself as a 'king'.
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Usyk told The Sun : "Yes, of course, I do regard this fight a huge one. I see him as a very good fighter, good athlete, he talks a lot, he has a tongue.
"He claims he’s the king of the kings, but it’s only he who thinks that. That’s what I can say about him."
Usyk would not be the favourite for any fight despite his excellent display against Joshua, where he showed his technical capabilities - having been an underdog with bookmakers ahead of his stunning triumph.
He is six inches smaller than Fury in height and weighs in at around 220 pounds – roughly 50 points lighter than his heavyweight rival.
Yet he has warned that he should not be written off, by adding: "Before my Joshua fight everyone was saying that I haven’t got a single chance to win and beat Joshua.
"I used to hear those types of things throughout my life, but I am capable of beating Fury because I’m not boasting that I can just punish and beat every boxer in the world, but I just go to the gym and do my job.
"I train hard, I work hard, I put all my effort in. I’m not trying to present myself as the king of the Universe.
"I do what I have to do. I concentrate and I’m focused and I get the result according to my effort."
Fury’s unpredictability and unorthodox style are a huge reason of why he is such a dangerous opponent, with Usyk refusing to be drawn on that aspect.
He added: "I can’t comment much on his style because every fighter has his own style according to his own abilities and his own tendencies.
"So, I think the main thing is his style brings him the victories.
"That’s the main thing. Some people like it, some people do not. But he is successful."
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