Tyson Fury negotiations 'at an impasse' claims Oleksandr Usyk, Gypsy King says fight will be an 'easy job'
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Updated 16/05/2023 at 18:06 GMT
"The fight will take place sooner or later," says Oleksandr Usyk of a potential December bout with Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia. Plans had been in the offing for an undisputed heavyweight title fight in April, but that fell through. Fury has predicted how the fight will unfold, saying: "I'll hit him, he'll hit the floor, then I'll go out and get drunk in the town centre."
Oleksandr Usyk (L) and Tyson Fury (R) face-off after the wbc heavyweight championship fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 03, 2022 in London, England.
Image credit: Getty Images
Negotiations to fight Tyson Fury are "at an impasse", Oleksandr Usyk has claimed, while the Gypsy King says the bout has "got to happen".
The pair had been expected to meet in an undisputed world heavyweight title clash last month, but talks fell through - with Fury at the time labelling Usyk a "coward" - leaving both camps now working on another deal.
The bout would pit the WBA, IBF, WBO and The Ring belt holder Usyk against WBC holder Fury, meaning the winner would hold all five heavyweight belts.
Saudi Arabia in December has been mooted as the potential venue and date for the two to finally enter the ring together.
Speaking to Vringe, Ukrainian Usyk said: "I can’t say anything about the fight with Fury yet but at the moment the fight is not planned, since the negotiations, let’s say, are at an impasse.
"For Fury, boxing is not only a sport, but also a show. And there is another factor - money.
"He talks about it all the time and voices some incredible amounts that he wants to receive for the fight. I believe that all his loud statements are the intensity of passions. Without it, nowhere.
"So what is he afraid of? He is a professional athlete. And even if he loses, he will take his own.
"It's no secret that fees are prescribed for both parties. If he wants to draw intrigue, he has the right, but no one will run after him or make concessions. The fight will take place sooner or later. And everything will be decided in the ring.
"A big man who has very good abilities in boxing and in life, but this big man is very afraid of losing."
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Oleksandr Usyk (L) and Tyson Fury (R) face-off after the wbc heavyweight championship fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 03, 2022 in London, England.
Image credit: Getty Images
For his part, Fury implied last weekend that the sums of money at play have perhaps contributed to the stasis around the fight.
"There's a lot going on in Saudi Arabia, massive amounts of money being talked about," the Brit said.
"I just think that got the better of it, the temptation of £75m, £100m down the line rather than doing it now.
"These prizefighters fight for a few quid, they'll fight anybody, so I don't think anybody's scared of anybody in a boxing match.
"The fight's got to happen, it's got to happen this year.
"I just think it's an easy job, straightforward job. I'll hit him, he'll hit the floor, then I'll go out and get drunk in the town centre."
Of a possible all-British showdown against Joshua, Fury added: "I'd love it to happen.
"I'd love to fight Usyk, I'd love to fight AJ, but I just don't think they wanna fight me."
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