Olexsander Usyk reveals he ordered his side, including his soldiers, not to retaliate after John Fury headbutted one of his team members… as shocking incident adds to the motivation to take down Tyson

Olexsander Usyk has revealed he prevented a bloody battle by ordering his team, which includes Ukrainian soldiers, not to retaliate after John Fury headbutted one of his team members.

Tyson Fury’s father began his son’s week-long fight with Usyk to become the first undisputed world heavyweight champion of the four-belt era by tackling the smallest member of the opposing security forces who shouted at him their man’s name in the lobby of a luxury hotel.

Blood ran down Fury Senior’s face as chaos threatened, but Usyk said: “I withdrew my team to stop the fighting.” They wanted to go there. They were looking at me waiting for the signal. I waited for the thumbs up but I gave them the thumbs down.’

Maybe as well for Big John. Usyk acknowledged that the shocking incident was a bad reflection of an often criticized sport, but added: “I not only have professional trainers and trainers with me. Also professional soldiers. They are very good at wanting to beat. No boxing. Shooting.

“It’s a secret who the soldiers on my team are. They weren’t happy when I raised my hand and gestured for them to say please no. We are professionals.

John Fury (pictured) was left bloodied after headbutting a member of the Ukrainian camp

Usyk intervened for the good of boxing and the countries involved, explaining: “This is a great event for our people. For the United Kingdom, for Ukraine. For Saudi Arabia. And that was bad behavior on the part of Tyson’s team. It was stupid. I don’t want to call John bad because I don’t know him or his mind. But we had to behave properly’

The eldest Fury, who served three years in prison at home for gouging out another man’s eye, gave further insight into his traveler mentality when he said: “I always defend my son. We are warriors. This is what we do.

What Usyk intends to do is beat Tyson Fury here on Saturday night. Reinforced in particular by the new Russian attack against eastern Ukraine. He said: “I really appreciate all the support from the Ukrainian soldiers. It’s a great motivation. Maybe I also motivate my colleagues. Maybe.’

He’s also thinking about adding Fury’s WBC crown to his WBA, IBF and WBO titles. To write history, yes, but also to bring something back to his two sons and two daughters. “The four belts,” he said, “will be one for my children.”

Usyk senses the irony of the Fury situation when he concludes: “John’s behavior is another reason why I will win.”