Former world heavyweight champion Mairis Briedis criticized Tyson Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) for preparing for a rematch with Alexander Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs). According to the Latvian ex-boxer, in the training camp the Gypsy King, as the Briton is called, held short sparring sessions, which affected the fight itself on December 21.

Briedis spoke about this on air on his channel on YouTube video hosting.. Usik’s former opponent, who gave the Ukrainian one of the toughest fights in Alexander’s career, added that Fury took care of himself in sparring, which is why our compatriot was able to easily outbox him.

“Because I heard from the guys who were at his sparring sessions that even before the last fight with Usik he prepared like this. Today I’ll spar for four rounds, tomorrow – six. That is, 12 rounds weren’t enough for him at all. He somehow saved himself. I know how Alexander works, how much he plows. He worked there like a horse. And the result is appropriate. This last fight they boxed lightly. I think they made a lot of money and, thank God, they weren’t injured,” Briedis said.

It’s interesting that Fury’s sparring partner, South African Kevin Lerena (30-3, 14 KOs), expressed his readiness to fight Usik in Ukraine for the championship in the new weight category.

Earlier, Usyk himself had already named his next opponent. And Briton Daniel Dubois threatened the Ukrainian with revenge and called for a rematch, despite the fact that he has yet to fight Joseph Parker (35-3, 23 KOs).

Let us recall that Alexander defeated Daniel by technical knockout in the ninth round in August 2023, and the Briton scored with a dirty blow below the belt. Chairman of the Saudi General Authority for Entertainment Turki Al al-Sheikh announced his intention to organize a rematch between the British and Ukrainian.

In turn, British boxer Fraser Clark (8-1-1, 6 KOs) called on the Ukrainian to retire.