OLEKSANDR USYK revealed the punch that turned the tide against Tyson Fury was nine months in the making.
Usyk came from behind to trump Fury on points in May and become the first-ever four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion.
And he almost had the Gypsy King out of there in round nine after landing a perfectly-timed left hand.
Usyk revealed it was a shot he drilled for months on end before executing it in his most vital fight.
He told the Daily Mail: “It was a planned action that we had worked on for nine months.
“It was necessary as it showed him immediately in the ring who the boss is.
“I was in control the whole time, there were no worries. The process was ongoing.”
The pair of heavyweight superstars put on a thriller over 12 rounds in Saudi Arabia which was fiercely competitive.
And Usyk revealed after taking a huge uppercut from Fury halfway through and withstanding it – he knew the bout was his.
He said: “When I didn’t get knocked down by an uppercut in the sixth round.
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“I felt such a force behind me that I understood that nearby there is my force which I pray to.
“Maybe it was even an angel, but I felt some kind of support for my back there was no one there (behind me) but the support was felt.”
Fury, 35, and Usyk, 37, are now set to rematch on December 21 back in Riyadh.
