Oleksandr Usyk and his team are grateful to have gotten a massive fight with Tyson Fury over the line as the pair agreed to a stunning, undisputed heavyweight clash.
Months of failed negotiations and a lack of hope turned to optimism on Friday as both sides reached a deal to fight in late 2023 or early 2024.
The boxing world was amazed to find an official statement being made with Top Rank, Saudi officials, and Usyk’s handlers at K2 making comments.
However, Usyk’s promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, couldn’t help having a dig at Fury after previously labeling him scared to fight Usyk.
Krassyuk had slated Fury on social media for weeks following the original collapse in talks. The Ukrainian added one final insult before pre-fight festivities commenced.
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk
“I can’t believe it’s happening, but it is,” said a shocked Krassyk. “Difficult to express my admiration for being part of the biggest heavyweight fight of the century.
“Gratitude to the KSA and his excellency Turki Al-Sheikh for making it happen. Respect to Tyson for his courage. Thank the Lord for all he gives us.”
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of The General Entertainment Authority, offered his thoughts after helping get the battle over the line.
“This is the fight everyone has wanted to see for some time. Now it is finally happening,” stated Alalshikh. “The world’s two heavyweight champions going into the ring against one another.
“It is the biggest fight in boxing. The world will be watching. We are so proud to host this spectacle as part of the fourth edition of our Riyadh Season celebrations.
“We want to play our part and match the huge anticipation surrounding this fight by putting on the greatest fight experience for every visitor to Riyadh.”
Usyk aims to make history
Ukraine’s Usyk gets the opportunity to improve on his impressive 21-0, 14 KOs against a 33-0 juggernaut. The 2012 Olympic gold medalist moved to the heavyweight ranks following a dominant run to the undisputed cruiserweight title.
In September 2021, he defeated Anthony Joshua to become the unified heavyweight world champion. He then dominated Joshua again despite a split decision in their rematch nearly one year later.
Mr. “I and Feel” returned in August to again batter a Briton in Daniel Dubois. The beatdown took nine rounds.
He now hopes to join Evander Holyfield as the only undisputed cruiserweight champion to repeat the deed at heavyweight.
Despite the size difference, Usyk is a live challenge to Fury’s reign as WBC champion. He even begins as the favorite in a lot of people’s eyes.
