Oleksandr Usyk reveals how Eminem inspires him to deal with Tyson Fury’s insults

The two unbeaten heavyweight champions, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will collide in the division’s first-ever four-belt unification on February 17, 2024 in Saudi Arabia.

Gypsy King and Usyk went nose-to-nose at the fight announcement press conference, where the British fighter tried barging the Ukrainian head first at the face-off. Fury has also repeatedly attempted to insult his 36-year-old rival by calling him a “rabbit.” However, that term seems to be one that has now been embraced by Usyk.

The Ukrainian undefeated boxer told Sky Sports: “I got into his head and now instead of me, he thinks about a rabbit. Keep thinking, brother. I have listened to Eminem for many years, his mum used to call him a white rabbit. I don’t know, I like this rapper. Tony Bellew once said that I am a beast in boxing, I said: ‘Not really, I’m just a white rabbit.’”

Usyk has also recently met Eminem in Saudi Arabia during the boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou. He expressed his desire to take a picture with the Detroit legend and he finally made it. Check the video below.

“Lose Yourself” being played as Eminem enters Boulevard Hall during Fury & Ngannou fight

Ngannou was making his boxing debut on Saturday, October 28, against The Gypsy King, who retained his belt in 2022 by defeating Derek Chisora. Lucky for Fury, his WBC title was not on the line in this fight.

This was the first time that a world-class boxer came up against an MMA fighter since 2017, when Floyd Mayweather came up against Conor “The Notorious” McGregor.

With such a high stakes fight on the cards, celebrities flocked the Boulevard Hall in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to perhaps get a taste of the highly-hyped fight.

For some like legendary boxer Mike Tyson, he was there as more than just a spectator as he was the one who trained Ngannou in the build up to the fight.

There was also the presence of past and present UFC fighters including Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya and Chuck Liddell, while other boxing stars like Oscar De La Hoya, Evander Holyfield and Larry Holmes also graced the arena with their presence.

Football was also well represented as both Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario were in attendance; while CR7’s former teammate Rio Ferdinand was also spotted exchanging niceties with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Of course, Hip-Hop did not miss the chance to see the “Battle Of The Baddest,” as Eminem, Kanye West and Lil Baby were in presence. The Boulevard arena also enjoyed “Lose Yourself” as Slim Shady, Royce 5’9″ and Paul Rosenberg walked in to occupy their seats.

Watch the video below:

WATCH: Francis Ngannou’s reaction when he realizes he almost blanked Eminem

FRANCIS NGANNOU awkwardly almost blanked Eminem as the Detroit hip-hop legend rocked up in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the MMA great’s mega-fight against the undefeated Tyson Fury.

Eminem’s manager Paul Rosenberg pointed out the real Slim Shady but Ngannou still had to double take. His face expression then quickly changed as the boxer embraced Eminem.

A clip emerged on social media from yesterday’s bash that showed “The Predator” walking past Eminem before his coach, Dewey Cooper, grabbed Ngannou’s attention. He appeared to say in the clip: “Em! That’s Eminem.”

The two megastars then posed together for a snap at the Riyadh bash. You can watch the video below:

Eminem & Cristiano Ronaldo arrive in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to attend Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou fight

Two combat sports titans, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, are scheduled to clash in the boxing ring on Saturday.

This highly anticipated bout showcases the unrivaled prowess of these two formidable athletes, adding an exceptional element to the ongoing series of “crossover boxing” events.

Fury has never tasted defeat as a professional and has met other massive punches, including three fights with Deontay Wilder in which Wilder scored knockdowns but could not keep Fury on the canvas. Fury also is set to face WBA, WBO and IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk with a targeted date of Dec. 23, which adds a bit of extra intrigue to the Ngannou fight as any injury or cut could set Fury back from his pursuit of becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era.

Ngannou defeated Stipe Miocic in March 2021 to win the UFC heavyweight championship. He defended the title with a decision over Ciryl Gane the following January and then parted ways with the UFC amid a bitter round of contract negotiations. One of the sticking points in those negotiations was Ngannou’s desire to take a chance in the boxing ring.

To attend the most anticipated fight of the year, Eminem, Royce 5’9″, Paul Rosenberg and Mr. Porter arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo also checked in. Check out the new video and photos below:

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