For approximately a year Oleksandr Usyk waited for a fruitful conclusion regarding the contract negotiations with Tyson Fury. Although the hope to secure a deal with the British heavyweight was unsuccessful, Usyk remains optimistic in his commitment to advance his boxing career.
Initially slated for April 29, the anticipated showdown between “The Cat” and “The Gipsy King” encountered a delay due to multiple technical complexities and challenges. This unexpected postponement elevated the pre-existing rivalry between these two prominent heavyweight fighters to new heights.
Usyk’s boxing path continues despite hurdles with Fury rematch
Before the cancelation of the potential fight with Fury, Usyk offered a last-minute proposition to materialize the bout. The Ukrainian heavyweight stipulated that he would agree to the bout but on the condition of a 30-70 revenue split. Despite this effort, the discussions between the two parties remained unfruitful.
Across the span of the last couple of years, the IBO heavyweight champion participated in just two, both against Anthony Joshua. Presently, Usyk’s focus is set on the upcoming summer showdown, where he is slated to defend his title in a mandatory contest against Daniel Dubois.
Evander Holyfield questions why Tyson Fury is not facing Oleksandr Usyk: Boxing legend Evander Holyfield wants to know why undefeated WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury 33-0-1 (24) is fighting a boxing debutant in a… #boxing #boxingnews #boxingheads https://t.co/wPLW0dEZQt pic.twitter.com/INnPojNmSD
— Ringnews24 🥊 (@ringnews24) August 19, 2023
In a recent interview, The Cat expressed that Fury wasn’t the final point but rather just the beginning. The 36-year-old boxer is now focusing on his future and the last few years of his professional boxing career.
“I do realize there are not many years left for me in boxing and I don’t want to spend much time in boxing. I want to take my kids to school and whatever.” Usyk said.
Here's how Oleksandr Usyk & Daniel Dubois match up ahead of their world title unification fight this weekend 🥊
Who wins and how? 🤔#UsykDubois | #OleksandrUsyk | #DanielDubois pic.twitter.com/Qv2amjZ4t3
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) August 23, 2023
Tyson Fury to face Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia
Tyson Fury is now set to face Francis Ngannou in a crossover boxing bout on October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Queensberry, Top Rank, and GIMIK Fight Promotions recently confirmed the big event. Oleksandr has also expressed his views on this matchup.
“I think it’s easy money for Tyson Fury. I think for me it looks a little bit strange, to me, too strange. A guy who is WBC heavyweight champion instead of fighting a guy from the top 10, suddenly chooses the guy as his opponent coming from the UFC.” Usyk said.
Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou official fight poster… pic.twitter.com/4d6EbCbZrt
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) August 20, 2023
Usyk believes that Ngannou is benefiting greatly from this deal but he sees it as a disappointment for Fury. The Ukrainian boxing legend however shows deep respect for their decision.
What is your take on the fight between The Predator and The Gypsy King? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
