Oleksandr Usyk’s team has complained about the ring canvas ahead of Saturday’s undisputed heavyweight title fight, Sky Sports News can reveal.
Usyk lodged a complaint with just two days left before the game in Riyadh.
sky sports news It is understood that a member of the team was unhappy during open training, particularly with the seams that held the canvas sections together.
The same canvas will be used on fight night, and Usyk’s team was concerned it could create a tripping hazard during the fight.
The canvas is the same one used in recent heavyweight bouts in Saudi Arabia and the UK, including Usyk’s wins over Anthony Joshua in London and Jeddah.
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“I’m really interested, I was in the ring last night before anyone came in and didn’t notice anything,” British heavyweight boxer Fraser Clark told Sky Sports in Saudi Arabia.
“Of course, like every boxer, I did some shadowboxing in the ring but didn’t notice anything. I was really curious what the hell was going on.
“Could it be a mind game? It’s possible, but I doubt it. We’re in neutral territory here and there’s no advantage for Tyson or Usyk.”
Usyk and Fury face off in Riyadh this Saturday for the right to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the world since Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in 1999.
Usyk’s complaints continued a dramatic week in Saudi Arabia when Tyson’s father, John Fury, appeared to head-butt a member of the Ukrainian entourage.
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Frazier Clark says Alexander Usyk’s stare down during Tyson Fury’s training was a good sign that he is only focused on the job at hand.
‘Team Usyk concerned about potential tripping hazards’
Sky Sports News reporter Ben Ransom in Riyadh…
“I heard that Usyk’s team has complained and they are not happy with the canvas in the ring, especially the connection on the canvas.
“The way the rings for these big fights are built is you erect the ring and then you put the canvas on the floor with all the sponsors’ logos on it over six-foot panels and then put it in with seams about a millimeter deep. They are sewn together.
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Frazier Clark says Alexander Usyk’s stare down during Tyson Fury’s training was a good sign that he is only focused on the job at hand.
“A member of Usyk’s team was looking at the canvas last night at an open workout and Usyk looked pretty happy in the ring and that was his thought and concern that this could create a tripping hazard at night.
“So they have to come here and see the same canvas that’s in the actual ring.”
Fury and Usyk are expected to walk the ring from 11pm UK time this Saturday, with coverage starting at 4pm sky sports box office.
It’s one of the biggest sporting events in a generation. Tyson Fury and Alexander Usyk Live on Saturday, May 18 for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world sky sports box office. Book a fight now.
