Tyson Fury expected Oleksandr Usyk to be found wanting as a former cruiserweight when the pair meet to unify the heavyweight boxing belts next month.
Despite Usyk having twice defeated Anthony Joshua, Fury said the Ukrainian would not be able to match the step-up to his size, weight and class.
“We have eight divisions for a reason,” he said. “When the cruiserweights step up to the big boys, they usually get found wanting. You can beat the average big ones but not the elite ones. He’s going to be found wanting when he meets me on May 18. This is my time, my destiny.”
The pair had been due to meet back in February before it was called off after Fury suffered a nasty cut above his eye. The Englishman, who last year produced an unconvincing victory over Francis Ngannou which many awarded to the Cameroonian, saw the fight rescheduled for Riyadh next month.
Going into the fight, Fury, who has his dad John back as part of his backroom staff, said: “I’m trying hard, I’m in fantastic shape. There’s no room for error, no room for not training right. Everything’s going to plan.
“This is not personal, this is strictly business from both fighters. I don’t hate him, he’s a good husband and God-fearing man. I respect him as a fighter. I’ve got a tough challenge in front of me and I’m very confident in my ability.”
