Oleksandr Usyk claims ‘greedy belly’ Tyson Fury is ‘afraid’ of him ahead of his clash with Daniel Dubois

Fury and Usyk appeared to be on a collision course after the Ukrainian’s second victory over Anthony Joshua, only for talks to stall and eventually breakdown between the two camps.

Ahead of his clash on August 26 with Britain’s Daniel Dubois, the WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight criticised Fury for taking the easy option.

He added: “Doesn’t it seem strange that instead of choosing a top-10 guy, he is choosing someone who has never boxed before?”

Fury was last in action when he stopped Derek Chisora in the 10th round after previously hinting at retirement, while Usyk squared off against Joshua in August 2022, defending his titles with a split-decision victory.

And when asked if he thought Fury was scared to go toe-to-toe with him, he said: “Yes, of course! Of course. Greedy belly is afraid of me.”

However, hope remains that the pair will eventually step in the ring together in what could be a blockbuster unification bout.

“Let’s make it happen,” Usyk continued. “I am ready. After I fight Dubois I am ready to go, [but] my main focus now is August 26.”

That is provided the pair come through their upcoming challenges unscathed. Dubois, who is the mandatory challenger for Usyk, says he is confident of springing a surprise when he gets his first crack at a title.

“I’m ready. We’re ready to rumble,” the 25-year-old said. “This is it. Bring those titles back home, bring them belts. They’re coming with me.

“It’s definitely my time. Usyk’s been a great champion and as I’ve said before everything with a beginning has to have an end. His ‘0’ has got to go.

“I’ve got to outmanoeuvre him in everything. I’m younger, I’m stronger. I’ve got to release it all. Unleash hell on this guy.

“I was born for it. Everything that has led to me getting here and getting this opportunity, I’m different and you guys are going to see that.

“The bookies can say whatever they want. It’s no pressure for me. I’m going to be 100 per cent on him to take those belts away.”