The upcoming undisputed boxing match between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is increasingly looking likely that it will be taking place in London, England, instead of Saudi Arabia.
ESPN’s Mike Coppinger has stated that considerable progress still needs to be made before a contract between Fury and Usyk can be finalized.
Unified champion Usyk, who currently holds the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles, has reportedly agreed a deal with the Saudis. However, Fury, who is the reigning WBC champion, is yet to receive an offer that he is content with.
It is uncertain what exactly Fury’s demands are, but the only way he may get them fulfilled is if the fight is relocated to Wembley Stadium in London.
If this is the case, then the bout between Usyk and Fury could be in doubt, as the British fighter may demand a much bigger portion of the purse.
‼️ Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk is reportedly now more likely to take place in England than Saudi Arabia, if it happens at all. It’s claimed there is “a long way to go” in the process of trying to agree a deal which financially satisfies both men. [According to @MikeCoppinger]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) February 12, 2023
In his comments to ESPN+, Coppinger said: “Usyk has already closed his side of the deal with the Saudis. I was told that Tyson Fury is waiting for a formal offer from the Saudis. Hopefully, that offer will satisfy him, and if they can’t get it done for Saudi Arabia, then they’re going to look at Wembley Stadium in London. That issue becomes that Tyson Fury is a big star, and they would surely go to Usyk to try and get him to take less than 50-50, which could kill the fight.”
If this bout does not take place, Fury would likely have a match against ex-UFC heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou or go up against Joe Joyce. But that has not gone down well amongst the boxing fraternity on social media.
Social Media Response
@Tyson_Fury the guy that claims to not "care about the money" is gonna demand 90% and price himself out the fight….. #WatchThisSpace https://t.co/w0G7LcgIOD
— boxwatchDOTtv. (@BoxwatchDotTV) February 12, 2023
He meant what financially satisfies Fury 😂 I’m telling you rn Usyk don’t give an, he wants to fight! https://t.co/jnD4WIrWtk
— Unbiased Matt (@UnbiasedBoxing1) February 12, 2023
Honestly I feel so bad for all the non-casual boxing fans because it’s a disgrace how fans keep getting cheated out of the biggest fights https://t.co/o2JQxjd11b
— Family Man (@Gtheorem) February 12, 2023