Oleksandr Usyk hopes he will remain friends with Tyson Fury after their unified heavyweight title rematch on Saturday, suggesting the two could go to the pub after their bout.
The fight, set to be broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View, sees The Cat look to deny the "Gypsy King" revenge in Riyadh after winning their first fight by split decision in May.
The mind games were in full flow at the first press conference in October where Usyk, dressed as Agent 47 from the popular video game series Hitman, had Fury sign a photo.
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The image showed the punch which rocked the ex-WBC champion in the ninth round, but ahead of their next encounter, Usyk admits he expected to get the signature.
"No, I wasn’t surprised at all," he said in an interview with Queensberry Promotions. "He’s a normal guy, so he’s just acting."
The Ukrainian then spoke about how he hopes himself and Fury can remain friends following what will be a titanic tussle in the Saudi capital.
"Maybe in one month after the fight, you will see me and Tyson Fury," he added. "The picture [will be] of us drinking beer in a pub."
Usyk's second fight with Fury is one which looks set to have major ramifcations for the heavyweight division and possibly others in 2025 and beyond.
The winner is likely to pursue an undisputed fight with the winner of Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker's IBF heavyweight title fight on February 22.
But Usyk has also suggested a second triumph could lead him back to cruiserweight, while a Fury victory could pave the way for a money-spinning trilogy bout.
Watch Usyk vs. Fury 2 on DAZN PPV
The Oleksandr Usyk/Tyson Fury rematch and full undercard is a DAZN Pay-Per-View (PPV) worldwide event and will cost £24.99 in the UK / $39.95 in the US. For prices in your region click here.
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This includes a range of options to watch the fight, from the traditional commentary to watchalongs with True Geordie or ShowBizz; the best broadcast team including Kate Scott, Ade Oladipo, Andy Lee, Darren Barker and Eddie Hearn; and commentary in multiple languages.
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