Oleksandr Usyk has accused Tyson Fury of being "afraid" to fight him as the Ukrainian revealed new talks have stalled.
It looked as if Usyk and Fury would meet in an undisputed heavyweight title clash in April at Wembley Stadium, but talks broke down after the Ukrainian was left unimpressed by the WBC champion's demands. Both fighters blamed each other in public addresses after the collapse, but it was hoped that talks could be revived over a fight later in the year.
The Gypsy King's promoter Bob Arum revealed earlier this month that talks were back on as part of Saudi Arabia's plan to stage a four-man tournament including the showdown for all the marbles. However in a fresh update on talks, Usyk has claimed that talks have reached an impasse but is hopeful a deal can still be made.
"I can’t say anything about the fight with Tyson Fury yet but at the moment the fight is not planned, since the negotiations, let’s say, are at an impasse," Usyk told Vringe when detailing the status of current talks with his fellow champion. "For Fury, boxing is not only a sport, but also a show. And there is another factor - money.
"He talks about them 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."
Do you think Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk will happen this year? Let us know in the comments section below
Usyk is likely to first face Daniel Dubois this summer in a WBA title defence before any meeting with Fury could take place at the end of 2023. Both fighters would be required to negotiate separate deals with the Middle East, but the Briton failed to reach an agreement when the venue was proposed previously.
Fury took a great deal of public blame for the collapse of the showdown given his pleas on social media, but still is adamant that the fight will take place and he will have his hand raised. He said: "I'd love it to happen, love it to happen I'd love to fight Oleksandr Usyk, I'd love to fight AJ, but I just don't think they want to fight me.
"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. I'll hit him, he'll hit the floor, then I'll go out and get drunk in the town centre."
