Oleksandr Usyk team reveal doubts that the long awaited bout with Tyson Fury will go ahead, announcing replacement opponent.
Team Usyk have shared their doubts that British World Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury will make it to the ring for their long awaited Undisputed Heavyweight bout. The Undefeated Ukrainian and his team have gone as far as to announce who their ideal replacement would be.
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk is scheduled to take place on Saturday May 18th 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fight will be the first Undisputed Heavyweight title fight for 25 years and the first in the four belt era. The fight was due to take place on February 17th, but Tyson Fury pulled out of the fight after receiving a deep cut to his eye. The Gypsy King picked up the injury two weeks before fight night. Prompting criticism as to why he was sparring so close to the fight. Rumours also circulated that Fury cut himself intentionally to postpone the fight.
However, with the help of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Fury vs Usyk was quickly rescheduled. Fury last fought in October 2023 in a crossover fight with former UFC Champion Francis Ngannou. Fury was lucky to find himself on the right side of controversial split decsion after Ngannou sent the champion to the canvas. Somewhat understandably, Team Usyk have not got the highest hopes that the bout takes place.
The Ukrainians Promoter Alex Krassyuk revealed to Boxing Scene: “Usyk has actually had a triple camp for this fight. He started in September for the fight to take place last December. We showed up to the Ngannou fight to step in the ring to announce the fight for undisputed. We were then meant to fight on February 17th, then we rescheduled for May. Tyson Fury has withdrawn four times from this fight.”
Team Usyk can take solace in the fact that any withdrawal will mean a severe financial penalty. When Fury and His Excellency announced the date. It was also revealed that if one of the fighters pull out of the event, then they must pay the other party a cool £10,000,000 from their own pocket.
The Replacement
If Tyson Fury does for whatever reason pull out of the fight. Fillip Hrgovic has been announced as the replacement opponent. The undefeated Croatian is scheduled to face British Fighter Daniel Dubois on June 1st. The fight is to be featured on the undercard of Dimitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev and makes up one of the fights for the Queensbury vs Matchroom 5v5.
Krassyuk confirmed to the Boxing Scene that the IBF Mandatory Challenger will get the call, if Fury pulls out for the fight for any reason. it is difficult to envision another pull out from Team Fury, not just because of the huge financial implications but his reputation would be permanently damaged and would certainly leave a stain upon his legacy, he has worked hard to create.
Who wins Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk? Let us know in the comments below!
