Promoter Alex Krassyuk hopes Oleksandr Usyk’s mental strength is the key attribute needed to dethrone WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and become undisputed champion later this month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

Heavyweight titans Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) and Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) will finally meet after Fury sustained a cut in sparring in early February, which saw the undisputed title fight pushed back from February 17 to May 18.

Despite the undisputed contest taking place in two weeks, Krassyuk is still fearful of the fight not taking place at all, and has repeatedly urged Fury to take the necessary precautions to prevent any further injuries occurring. 

“I do hope that Tyson will wear his helmet, his protective gear this time and not injure his eyebrow or whatever he could injure and that this time, the fight on May 18 will go the way it should have gone in December and then in February,” Krassyuk told Sky Sports.

“It’s the fight of a lifetime. The whole world is waiting for it. Let’s pray for Tyson and expect that the guy enters the ring.”

Usyk last boxed in August against Daniel Dubois, after Usyk was hurt by a shot that was ruled low but the Londoner’s team felt had hit him in the body. 

Fury’s promoter Frank Warren has labeled the Ukrainian and his team as “crybabies” and he appealed the ruling, too. 

Krassyuk leapt to the defense of his countryman and fighter, whom he has promoted throughout his professional career, dismissing Warren’s claims that Usyk is weak to the body.

“When a man gets hit in the area below the naval, he normally suffers,” added Krassyuk. 

“That’s what happened in the Dubois fight… and it’s normal not just for Usyk but for every man to suffer from low blows. That’s the reason why these blows are illegal in boxing and forbidden, being strictly supervised by the referee.”

Krassyuk also explained that the key to Usyk’s victory would be his strength of mind, his heart, and discipline. 

“I can tell you about the secret weapon of Usyk’s, the only problem is it’s not a secret,” Krassyuk added. “His weapon is his mind, heart, experience and boxing skills. And the main thing about him that is different from Tyson Fury is his discipline. That is what makes him great and it is his toughest weapon.”