Tyson Fury says he applauded Sky Sports presenter Adam Smith, when he took offence at Johnny Nelson's verdict about Usyk

TYSON FURY revealed that he applauded Sky Sports’ Adam Smith while he criticized Johnny Nelson for calling Oleksandr Usyk an average southpaw'.

Nelson, who was the cruiserweight world champion in 1999 and 2005, claimed that Usyk, a pound-for-pound star, was not a standout fighter compared to other southpaws.

Commentator and Sky Sports commentator Smith disagreed with this view.

Fury now admits he was with Smith when he slammed Nelson's controversial point.

Fury grabbed the microphone and interviewed the Sky man on iFL TV. Fury stated: "A few months ago Johnny Nelson said that Oleksandr Uzyk was an average southpaw cruiserweight.

"And I was actually very impressed by your thing. You were absolutely ecstatic, boiling. You were like "arghhhh". Could you please tell us more?

Smith said: "I was doing an Interview and Johnny just stated he was an average Southpaw, and I took complete offence at that.

"I believe he is an amazing fighter. He was an amazing amateur. He was great against Joshua, and that was something I found disgraceful for a good friend and colleague.

"But there you go, that's his view."

Fury replied, "I was actually clapping inside the room because that's amazing." Bravo!

Anthony Joshua, an Olympic gold medallist from London 2012 was defeated by Usyk in a unanimous decision at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, September, to win the IBF, WBA, and WBO world titles.

There have been talks since then about a rematch.

These discussions are now over since Usyk, the former undisputed champion in cruiserweight, decided to fight on behalf of his country against the Russian invasion.

Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, confirmed that Usyk's situation is priority and that AJ may be open to an interim bout while he waits to be crowned a three-time world champion at heavyweight.

Hearn stated that it was difficult to speak for Oleksandr Usyk.

"First, my thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine and people who show incredible bravery out there. I'm thinking especially of Oleksandr and the great fighters from the past.

"He can take the time he wants. We [Joshua’s camp] want Oleksandr Usyk to win.

"Whether there is a delay in the fight or we have an interim fight, that will depend on Oleksandr Usyk's situation and how long he needs.

It's an emotional and personal time for people in Ukraine. We'll be respectful of them and help them whenever we can, but we won't be looking for ways to escape our obligation.

"Oleksandr Usyk is the only fight AJ wants at this time. We'll fight somewhere in the middle, but we will respect Oleksandr Usyk's time and talk to his advisors.

"If the contractual period is delayed, we will grant it, but we are willing to fight for that delay.

"We don’t want this obligation to slip away."

Fury will be defending his WBC title against Dillian Whyte, a fellow Brit, at Wembley Stadium in April 23.