Frank Warren Defends ‘Coward’ Tyson Fury For Pulling Out Of Usyk Fight
Frank Warren has denied suggestions that Tyson Fury is too scared to face Oleksandr Usyk.
Those suggestions emerged following his latest withdrawal to face Usyk, which was set to take the place on February 17. Fury sustained a cut over his right eye in sparring. This left question marks over whether he would face the Ukrainian at all.
This was the second time he had pulled out of the fight after it was initially scheduled for December 23, 2023. That created the narrative that Fury was looking to avoid Usyk or make the fight so heavily in his favor for fear he may come out second best. Although that may have been suggested, Warren has stated otherwise.
Warren On Critics
“This is the fella that went to Germany to fight [Klitschko] for the world title and beat him. This is the guy that went out [to America] to fight a guy that was undefeated in Deontay Wilder – six years reigning as heavyweight champion. The hardest punching heavyweight recorded and went out not once, but fought three times out there. Do me a favour, it’s pathetic, and professional fighters should know better,” Warren said
Usyk’s manager, Egis Klimas, stated Fury was a coward once the news of the pull out was announced. Fury hit back, stating that Klimas had never boxed, making his opinion void. He also referenced his fight against Deontay Wilder, showing he was not afraid to face the biggest hitter in the division on three occasions.
“Egis, never call me a coward again. I’ve had 35 professional fights, I’ve been boxing 18 years of my life. I’ve climbed off the canvas ten times off the biggest punchers in history to win. Never a coward, never backed down from any man in my life and if any man calls my wife a b****, I’ll take your f***ing teeth out,” Fury said
Fury is the favourite for the Usyk fight, but his past has shown he can pull out of fights permanently. After beating Wladimir Klitschko so comprehensively, Fury withdrew from the rematch and later retired. Since Fury and Usyk have a rematch, this could happen again if Fury wins. Either way, Warren backed his man to come out with a win.
Warren On Fury
“I do think that he will beat him, I think Tyson is the best heavyweight on the planet. His last fight against [Francis] Ngannou, he wasn’t at his best, but he came through and won the fight. He will be ready for that, and it’ll take its course and it’ll [his cut] heal. It’s nothing unusual in boxing for fights to be postponed. In sparring, you’re actually punching each other, so you will pick up injuries, it’s unfortunate it happened with Tyson,” Warren added
The new date is set for May 18, with both fighters having to pay a $10 million fine if they withdraw. That has put the pressure on Fury to turn up come fight night. Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com.
