Fury Trains With Russian Contract Soldier Ahead of Usyk Rematch

Tyson Fury, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, continues his preparations for the much-anticipated rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, scheduled for December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The British boxer has been training with several sparring partners, including Russian fighter Aleksei Dronov, who has raised concerns due to his support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Dronov, a contract soldier with Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and a member of the Dinamo sports club, has been included in a database of athletes who have publicly supported the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Dronov’s achievements in amateur boxing include gold medals at the European and World Championships, as well as at the Youth Olympic Games in 2018-2019. In his professional career, he holds a record of 4-0, with two knockouts.

He trains at the Kronk Gym, where former world champion trainer Emanuel Steward once worked. Today, the gym is led by his nephew, SugarHill Steward, who also serves as Fury’s trainer.

Fury’s rematch with Usyk, which will feature the WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight titles on the line, promises to be a significant event. This fight follows Usyk’s previous victory, when he became the first boxer in history to hold all four major heavyweight titles.