Tyson Fury has denied claims that Oleksandr Usyk broke his nose in their first encounter.

The heavyweights collide again next month for Usyk’s WBA, WBO and WBC straps after the Ukrainian beat Fury in May to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.

Fury, had a torrid round nine and showed heart to make it to the next round after Usyk had sent him stumbling around the ring with his nose bloodied.

On the injury ‘The Gypsy King’ he said: “There was nothing wrong with my nose, just a bit of blood.

“You get punched on the nose, your eyes water. It wasn’t broken.”

Fury is in bullish mood ahead of the rematch and doesn’t believe he has to change too much to have his hand raised.

He continued: “It’s actually been about four and half years – the Deontay Wilder II fight – since I was the underdog in a fight. I’m looking forward to a fantastic fight. Oleksandr won the first fight fair and square.

“It was very close last time. I’ll be a bit more focussed, a lack of complacency and I should do the job. Nothing drastic has to change. A bit more of the same, a bit more focused, and I will be victorious. Last time it wasn’t my time to win or God would have given me victory. I’m very happy Usyk got the decision. That was meant to be, and we’re going to find out what is meant to be on December 21.