Featured Image Credit: Yaroslava.gres & TNT
Topics: Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury
Josh Lawless
Oleksandr Usyk paid tribute to his wife after beating Tyson Fury a second time, with many deeming it a dig at his opponent's pre-fight admission.
Usyk recorded a second victory over the Gypsy King in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, defending his WBO, WBC, WBA and IBO heavyweight titles thanks a unanimous decision victory on the judges' scorecards.
Although Fury improved from the first fight and felt as though he won the fight, judges Gerardo Martinez, Patrick Morley and Ignacio Robles scored the bout 116-112 in Usyk's favour after another sensational performance from the Ukrainian.
The scorecards prompted huge criticism from Fury's promoter Frank Warren, who was left "dumbfounded" after he was given four rounds by each judge - while Fury himself was adamant he was the victor.
That is despite Usyk having the better output by comfortably outlanding Fury in the punch stats.
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The Cat was on fine form in his post-fight interview and when asked about how he is able to come alive again at the end of fights, he told DAZN that he had prepared well and that his wife, Katerina had helped him.
Usyk said, "My wife help me [train]" - a stark contrast to the involvement of Fury's other half Paris, who the 36-year-old claimed he did not speak to once while in an intense training camp.
On the other hand, Usyk admitted he spoke to his wife every single day and also conversed with his children, including youngest daughter Maria.
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"I've not spoken to Paris at all for three months, not one word," Fury said, speaking to Dev Sahni on Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions YouTube channel.
"Yeah, I've sacrificed a lot."
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Paris, who has seven children with Fury, confirmed the cut-off period, telling IFL TV: "I supported him in the decision but it wasn't the greatest thing to sit and not speak to your husband for a long time.
Both partners were in attendance at the Kingdom Arena and Usyk paid tribute to his wife, applauding her and signalling to the crowd after his triumph.
Both fighters will be planning to anyway after a hard-fought camp and fight, but it is mandatory that each boxer rests for for three days for every round fought.
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With the fight going the full 12 rounds, Fury and Usyk are required to rest up for least 24 days before they can return to action.
If a boxer loses by a clear knockout - and is unable return to their feet before the count - they must rest for a minimum of 60 days.