By Brian Webber: Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk negotiations have reportedly reached an impasse for their April 29th undisputed heavyweight fight at Wembley Stadium in London.
Although there’s still hope Fury-Usyk fight can be salvaged, if an agreement isn’t made soon, the two will move on and face other opponents. This week could be the tipping point.
With the fight date eight weeks away, it’s not looking good. Even if there is a major breakthrough, the promotion will be a rush job, which won’t be fair to either fighter.
It’s got to be especially disappointing for IBF, WBA & WBO champion Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) because he already had made a deal with the Saudis, and it was Fury that couldn’t agree with them after reportedly asking for too much.
Now with the fight being moved to the UK, Fury & Usyk are expected to make less money than what they would have gotten in Saudi. Some would argue it’s another example of Fury messing up another important fight.
Fury’s promoter Shane Fury says if they can’t get the Usyk fight done, former unified champion Andy Ruiz Jr is an option for his next fight.
“Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have reached a critical point,” said Chris McKenna to the Dailystar. “Both teams are locked in talks, but it is understood the discussions are still at an impasse for the April 29 date at Wembley.
“There remains the hope of a breakthrough, but the clock is ticking with news expected in the next 48 hours.”
“If the undisputed fight can’t get made, Tyson still needs to fight,” said Tyson’s brother Shane Fury to Behind The Gloves.
“I think Andy Ruiz Jr is a good opponent, a good name, and is in good form. Fans would want to see that fight. He wants Usyk; he wants Ruiz; he wants Joe Joyce. Tyson has got a couple of years left.
“It’s also got to be good business sense as well. He’s [Francis Ngannou] is one of the names. You can’t be 35 and inactive. He can’t stay out of the ring longer than he has.
“There’s no signs of deterioration at all. If anything, he’s getting better,” said Shane about Fury.
“We’re still working on this. I think we will this week, one way or another, be resolved,” said Fury’s promoter Frank Warren to talkSPORT Boxing.
