Tyson Fury, who is 33-0-1 with 24 knockouts, was to face off with Usyk, a career 21-0 with 13 knockouts, in a deal that could see them split the proceeds from the fight at 70:30, but Fury pulled out.
According to media reports, the heavyweight duo, with the Ukrainian holding the WBA, WBO, and IBF crowns and “The Gypsy King”, Tyson Fury holding the WBC strap, jointly hold all the belts in the class.
The two undisputed heavyweight champions agreed to a battle on April 29 at London’s Wembley Stadium as part of a contract that was only coming together. Both parties had informed the WBA of the upcoming fight that never happened.
Fury urged Ukrainian Usyk in an Instagram video posted earlier to accept 30% of the purse rather than the Englishman’s 70% in exchange for one of the biggest battles boxing has to offer.
However, Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyukight said Tyson went too far. “After Usyk accepted 70/30, Fury started to think he can put a saddle on his neck and start riding Usyk… He tries to avoid it by putting so many obstacles in front of the deal,” said Krassyukight on X.
Fury was quoted by the media dismissing the fight between him and Usyk. “Why on in the world would I want to fight [Usyk] for no money, he’s got zero personality, he’s an ugly b******d with gappy teeth and he’s half the size of me, so it’s all to gain for him and nothing to gain for me, isn’t it?” said Fury. “On what merit do you deserve more? I’m a superstar, you’re a nobody… And if the fight does come, no problem I’ll knock him out.”
Edited by Judy J. Rotich and Newsdesk Manager
