Oleksandr Usyk Vs. Tyson Fury In Negotiations For Undisputed Fight In Middle East In March
Usyk holds the WBA, WBO and IBF titles while Fury has the WBC strap.
It seems that the undisputed heavyweight championship is making some progress.
The promoter of IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, Alexander Krassyuk, said that both fighters are in discussions to stage the fight in the Middle East, with three countries as their options. He added that it should happen no later than March 4, 2023.
“We have a basic option to make it happen at Wembley or Cardiff or any other place in the UK,” Krassyuk told SecondsOut.com.
“But as long as we are working for our man, who is the best heavyweight in the world, we have to bring him the biggest benefit. So we are now working on that, working on a site. We are in negotiations with three countries in the Middle East and we still have the basic option of Great Britain.
“So the worst scenario, it goes to Wembley or any other big stadium (in the UK). Any other scenario is that it takes place in the Middle East. The deadline (for the fight to take place) we agree, together, is the 4th of March.”
Fury and Usyk were expected to begin negotiations following Usyk’s second consecutive win against former unified champion Anthony Joshua, but those talks fell through after Fury announced old foe Derek Chisora as his next opponent.
Fury fought Chisora on December 3 and won by knockout. Usyk, on the other hand, wanted to rest for the remainder of the year, but was vocal about having no one but Fury as his next fight – despite teasing a potential bout with former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.
“In case it doesn’t happen [on] the fourth of March, it’s not likely to happen ever,” Krassyuk added.
“It’s a matter of fact that this fight has to happen,” he continued.
“Tyson has already given his consent already. Queensberry, Top Rank, all are in. Usyk team, K2 Promotions, Usyk himself, we are on our way. Nothing is to spoil this fight from happening.”