Promoter Alex Krassyuk has dispelled fears of a severe jaw injury following Oleksandr Usyk’s crowning moment of glory against Tyson Fury in Riyadh to claim the undisputed heavyweight title.
Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) rallied to drop Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) in the ninth before claiming a split decision by scores of 115-112 and 114-113 with one judge marking Fury a winner by 114-113.
Speculation regarding Usyk's well-being began post-fight, with initial reports circulating that Usyk had gone to hospital for precautionary checks.
But Usyk appeared at the post-fight press conference, delaying a trip to the hospital to fulfill his media obligations against Krassyuk’s advice,form after the promoter informed the press that the champion might not attend.
Speaking to Boxing King Media, Krassyuk downplayed any injury fears concerning Usyk’s future.
“Nothing major [is wrong with him]," Krassyuk told Boxing King Media. “So he went to the hospital after the press conference.
“And they [hospital staff] made the exams, and it's something like a one-week recovery. No broken jaw and thank God he is safe and sound."
Krassyuk said Usyk ignored medical advice to attend the press conference.
“When we went to the locker room, the local doctor came up to inspect.
“Usyk felt some discomfort in his upper jaw and the doctor said anything could happen. This is a very sensitive area, so you need to be inspected as fast as possible.
“The doctor insisted it has to happen very fast, and I came up to Usyk and said, ‘Listen, we need to skip the press conference because the doctor is pushing us hard, and we need to go as soon as possible, the ambulance is prepared for the drive’.”
“But Usyk said, ‘Guys, listen, we need to comply with our obligations. We have the press conference. Let’s go to the hospital after the press conference’.”
