Tyson Fury will fight unified ruler Oleksandr Usyk in the first undisputed heavyweight title fight since Lennox Lewis vs Evander Holyfield.
The news was a surprise just 24 hours after Fury said he’d never fight the Ukrainian.
“Why would I want to fight him for any money? He’s got zero personality, an ugly b*****d with gappy teeth, and half the size of me,” said Fury.
“If I beat him, it’s, ‘Oh well, he beat a middleweight.’ If he beats me, he beat the legendary Tyson Fury for no money.
He added: “If you put Oleksandr Usyk in Morecambe in a leisure center, he wouldn’t sell it out. I offered him thirty percent of a large bag. They said they want more.
“On what merit do you deserve more? I’m a superstar. You’re a nobody.”
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk confirmed
On Friday, boxing fans and media were stunned to hear the champion vs champion battle was on. It will take place in late 2023 or early 2024.
It is the blockbuster news bulletin that sports fans across the globe have been waiting for.
WBC and Lineal heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury will take on WBO/WBA/IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk in an epic showdown to crown the division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
The biggest fight in world boxing will occur at the Kingdom Arena as part of this Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia.
“Delighted to finally get this fight signed,” said Fury’s promoter Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions. “This is the biggest fight that could be made in our sport.
“The heavyweights always spark the imagination of the fans, and I have no doubt this will be the biggest boxing event of the century.
“I look forward to Tyson reclaiming the three belts he never lost in the ring.”
Saudi Arabia
Fury’s US representative, Bob Arum, stated: “Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are the two greatest heavyweights of their generation.
“I can’t wait to see what happens when they enter the ring in Riyadh. They are special talents worthy of competing for the greatest prize in sports.”
The news of Fury vs Usyk comes in the same week Eddie Hearn stated Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder would be delayed – if ever taking place.
Initially, Saudi officials wanted Fury vs Usyk and Joshua vs Wilder on the same night. A deal couldn’t be done. Now, Hearn is attempting to salvage the fight for the spring of 2024.
