Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk Finally Signed For Undisputed Heavyweight Title Fight
The long-awaited undisputed heavyweight boxing title bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk has finally been made official.
ESPN's Mike Coppinger first reported that the two champions signed contracts to fight in Saudi Arabia this winter. The bout hinges on the outcome of Fury's October 28 boxing match with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, and whether or not "The Gypsy King" can avoid injury. If all goes well for Fury, the bout with Usyk could take place on December 23. If not, it'll likely happen sometime in January 2024.
(via Mikey Williams/Top Rank Boxing & Tom Hogan/Golden Boy Promotions)
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Coppinger's report was later confirmed by Queensberry Promotions and Riyadh Season. In a press release, Frank Warren, Fury's promoter in the UK, gushed over the matchup and expressed full confidence in his fighter.
"Delighted to finally get this fight signed," said Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions. "This is the biggest fight that could possibly be made in our sport. The heavyweights always spark the imagination of the fans, and I have no doubt this will be the biggest boxing event of the century. I look forward to Tyson reclaiming the three belts that he never lost in the ring. Huge thanks to His Excellency and the GEA."
Top Rank Boxing's Bob Arum also shared his thoughts in the press release.
"Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are the two greatest heavyweights of their generation, and I can't wait to see what happens when they step into the ring in Riyadh. They are special talents worthy of competing for the greatest prize in sports," said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. "I would like to thank His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and everyone involved in helping make this legendary night a reality."
Usyk's promoter, Alex Krassyk of K2 Promotions, also chimed in on the massive news.
"I can't believe that it's happening but it is," said Alex Krassyk of K2. "Difficult to express my admiration for being part of the biggest heavyweight fight of the century. Gratitude to the KSA and his excellency Turki Al-Sheikh for making it happen, respect to Tyson for his courage and thank the Lord for all he gives us."
This will be another boxing clash of two undefeated champions looking to unify the gold. Earlier this year, fans got to witness Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. fight for the right to be called the undisputed king at welterweight. It was Crawford who showcased his dominance in that bout to lay claim to undisputed status.
Usyk is coming off a knockout victory over Daniel Dubois to successfully defend his WBA, IBF, WBO, The Ring, and IBO heavyweight titles. Fury's WBC gold will not be on the line against Francis Ngannou.
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