Tyson Fury sparring partner responds to reports he dropped champion in training ahead of Oleksandr Usyk fight

A statement has been released after reports claimed Tyson Fury was DROPPED in training ahead of his undisputed clash against Oleksandr Usyk.

Fury has based himself in Saudi Arabia ahead of his monstrous showdown against Usyk on February 17.

The WBC title holder meets the WBA (super), IBF and WBO king in a massive fight to crown an undisputed world heavyweight champion.

Ahead of their Riyadh bout, Fury drafted in The Ring magazine cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia as a sparring partner to help him prepare for Usyk.

A picture on social media of Opetaia training emerged online after the link-up, accompanied with the caption: "Saudi Camp Begins."

He was also snapped in a picture with Fury.

The 28-year-old is a knockout artist, having won 19 of his 24 professional fights by TKO/KO and most recently starched Ellis Zorro in the first round on the 'Day of Reckoning' card last month.

His punching power apparently troubled Fury in training camp, with reports claiming the Australian dropped the undefeated British star.

Jai Opetaia celebrates his victory. Image: Getty

However, Opetaia's Australian co-promoters have denied those claims as they released a statement on social media.

"Jai Opetaia has recently returned from Saudi Arabia where he sparred and trained with Tyson Fury. They were fantastic, competitive rounds and an incredible experience for Jai. However any talk of either boxer being dropped is not true," the statement read.

"Jai is now back in Australia finalising his preparation to defend his world title and cannot wait to do so in Saudi Arabia."

Interestingly enough, Opetaia has returned to Australia, having sparred just FIVE rounds with Fury.

He will return to action on the undercard of Fury vs. Usyk as he faces Mairis Briedis for a second time.

Opetaia beat Briedis back in July 2022 to win the IBF and The Ring magazine cruiserweight titles.

They'll run it back in Saudi Arabia.