Queensberry Boxing promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that the highly anticipated heavyweight unification bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is yet to have a set date.
The news comes after Fury’s split decision victory over former UFC heavyweight Francis Ngannou on Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to Boxing News Online Warren said: ““It will go ahead but it will not be on the 23rd”. “It was crazy for some people to suggest that it could still go ahead on the 23rd.”
“He is 35-years-old and has just done a 12-week training camp and has just been in a tough fight. He needs a break with his family, he needs to switch off and we will announce the date when we are ready. But the fight is signed. The fight will happen. It will happen early in the new year, late January or February. That will be up to Tyson, it is his body.” Warren added.
“Fury said in the ring that he would fight on the 23rd – and he would do it – but he needs protecting from himself and that’s my job.” said the promoter.
Usyk Fight Affected Fury Preparation
Warren also shared how he felt Fury was affected in his preparation with Ngannou, due to discussions surrounding the fight with Usyk.
“I can’t say Tyson took the fight lightly but it was unfortunate that the news came out that the Usyk fight had been made. But we had to do that because once you sign a contract it leaks like a sieve.” “That wasn’t Tyson Fury in there, it was a bad day at the office. But it was a win, he won the fight through his grit and determination. Ngannou was very dangerous and strong and would give anyone a hard and tough fight.” said the Englishman.
““I’m not sure Tyson looked right – and he will be pissed off with me saying this – but I don’t think he looked right.” he added.
He later spoke on the potential rematch, but is unsure on wether Fury would want to take the fight. “The Tyson rematch, if it happens, would be massive. It’s all about Tyson wanting to do it. He might turn round and say he’s had enough.”
Ngannou Impresses Warren
Frank Warren shared that he was impressed by the former UFC star in his first ever boxing fight, and will look to give him further opportunities with Queensberry Promotions.
““He has come out of this a huge star, a hero.” “He is now in a position to be in massive fights and I will have a meeting with him and his people about working together. The rematch could end up being as big as the Usyk fight.” said Warren.
““I will offer him a top-level fight, he is solid, an athlete. He’ll get into the top 10 after that and based on that performance, I would give him a shot against anyone in the top 10 and I think he’d beat at least five of them right now. He’d beat Manuel Charr all day long; him and Joe Joyce would be a good fight.” Warren added.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
