ESPN’s Mike Coppinger has confirmed that Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk could fight in 2024.
Fans have been waiting since 1999 in order to see the first undisputed heavyweight champion. The last time that such a thing happened was when Lennox Lewis beat Evander Holyfield to achieve that feat. Fury and Usyk had attempted to fight in April at Wembley. However, talks broke down even though Usyk accepted a 70-30 split. The rematch clause could not be agreed after Fury demanded an equal split, while Usyk wanted the same split for the winner. Since then, Usyk has beaten Daniel Dubois. Meanwhile, Fury will face Francis Ngannou on October 28th, 2023. However, moving forward, a fight could be made.
Tyson Fury is focused on his Oct. 28 bout with Francis Ngannou, but talks are heating up for a fight against Oleksandr Usyk next year for the undisputed heavyweight championship in Saudi Arabia. Lots of optimism, sources tell ESPN, that a deal is struck for Fury-Usyk. pic.twitter.com/HtYLgHNZdf
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) September 14, 2023
Nevertheless, there is no guarantee that such a fight will happen. Fury has admitted that his focus is on securing the most lucrative fights out there. This may be at odds with giving the fans the fights that they want, most notably the Usyk fight. However, Fury did admit that if the Ukrainian changed his demands, then he would be willing to renegotiate.
Meanwhile, the ‘Gypsy King’s mandatory situation has also not been smooth sailing. Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr. failed to agree terms over a WBC title eliminator after disagreements over purse splits. And yet, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman does not feel troubled by the situation.
“He has been willing, able, and trying to fight Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, Andy Ruiz Jr or anyone and has not been able to land the fight that the fans would like to see. Instead of waiting around, he has no mandatory contenders, so he is going to do this special event in Saudi Arabia.
“So don’t blame Tyson Fury. He has been there and been there ready…If you force the mandatory just for the sake of it, you are doing a disservice to the sport. We will not be rushing up a mandatory contender,” Sulaiman stated