Oleksandr Usyk Says Tyson Fury Will Decide If The Undisputed Fight Happens
More and more, the odds are that an April 29 fight for undisputed heavyweight champion between unified champion Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) and WBC champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury (33-1, 24 KOs) may not happen. According to Team Usyk, time is running out.
It appears that there is a line in the sand being drawn by the unified champion. On social media, the Ukrainian southpaw left the following message for the WBC champion:
ONE HURDLE AFTER ANOTHER
If there is a word to define the attempt to negotiate this potential matchup, that would be contentious. Just when it seems as if it’s imminent a deal is on the verge of being reached, another stumbling block gets in the way.
First, there were issues with the location. After attempts fell apart to place the matchup in Saudi Arabia, Wembley Arena in London, England was agreed upon as the site. Then there was the back-and-forth over money. On March 10, Fury demanded that the fight would only happen under a 70/30 percentage split, with him getting the 70 percent. After initially balking at that notion, Usyk called his bluff and agreed.
At that point, it seemed like the fight was all but a go, as the WBA was on the verge of ordering a match between Usyk and WBA Regular heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois. But in boxing, negotiations often get more complicated than it needs to be.
Now Fury has issues about a rematch clause. The WBC champion wants it for all or nothing and insists on a no-rematch clause. Team Usyk has fired back by demanding that The Gypsy King sign the contract as-is. As a result of the failure to negotiate the fight, the WBA has set an April 1 deadline for Usyk and Fury to agree to a deal, or Usyk will be given the official order to face Dubois.
THE BIG LOSER
The ones who are hurt and frustrated by their squabbling are the fans. There’s nothing more prestigious than the undisputed heavyweight championship. Usyk – Fury would be one of the largest sporting events in the world. It’s a matchup that all boxing enthusiasts are looking forward to witnessing.
Were there betting odds on this potential fight on April 29, you would not find too many willing to place their bets on it taking place on that date. There isn’t enough time for Usyk and Fury to be in optimal condition for such a super-fight. But there still remains a smidgen of hope that all parties can come together and work something out. Stay tuned to 3kingsboxing.com for continued updates on this fluid situation.
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