But the masterful Ukrainian – who has signed to fight Fury next – refuses to hold a grudge against his rival.

Usyk, 36, told AP: “I heard so many insults about myself, that at some point I started flipping them over and making them my achievements.

“I love this incredible person. As a human being I feel no hostility towards him. I simply love people, including Tyson Fury.”

Usyk was ringside in Saudi Arabia to watch as Fury, 35, returned against ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 37.

The pair were then due to announce their historic four-belt unification bout for December 23 afterwards.

But the expected routine crossover clash turned into a nightmare for Fury, who was dropped in round three.

And he was deemed fortunate to walk away with a controversial split-decision win.

It kept the heavyweight division’s first undisputed title decider with all four belts at stake alive – albeit postponed until February.

So Usyk remains sceptical of the bout until the first bell officially sounds.

He said: “I’m not 100 per cent sure. I will be sure when I’m Iin the ring.

“I will stand in one corner, Tyson Fury will stand in the opposite corner, between us a referee in a white shirt, and only when I hear the sound of a bell – that’s when I’ll understand that yes, the game is on.

“I want this to work out, I want this fight to happen. The fact that it is postponed is no problem to me. I’m satisfied.

“I don’t care about material things. I care for the path I follow.”

Oleksandr Usyk said he has nothing but love for Tyson FuryCredit: AP