Oleksandr Usyk will not be ready in time to face Tyson Fury on December 23rd, 2023.
That is according to Eddie Hearn. The comments were made in reference to Usyk’s condition following his win over Daniel Dubois. In a bout where the Ukrainian stopped the Brit in the ninth round, it was not all smooth sailing. The unified heavyweight champion was dropped in the fifth round to a shot, which was declared a low blow. Despite later getting up to stop Dubois, it appears that Usyk may have suffered some issues in the fight.
“I think Usyk is not ready for December 23rd, ideally to him. I think Tyson Fury realizes that, and now I think Tyson Fury is going to turn the screw and look to shame Usyk when he’s not available for the 23rd maybe. “I know after the [Daniel] Dubois fight [on August 26th], he [Usyk] had a few dents and knocks,” Hearn
As we have reportedly previously, Hearn’s comments were consistent with what the Ukrainian had stated. Usyk confirmed that he would ideally require a 14-week camp, which would bring about the fight next year. In response, Fury was adamant that the fight would go ahead in December, given the Ukrainian had signed the contract. That could lead Usyk to either pull out or go into the fight less than 100 percent. Either way, Hearn did appear concerned for Usyk’s preparation.
“What is the 23rd, eight weeks? Usyk is not even in camp. So, eight weeks to prepare for the undisputed fight? He already said that he would like 14 weeks. The money is going to be huge, so he may be forced into it. Maybe Fury knows Usyk won’t be 100% for December 23rd, and that’s even better for him,” Hearn