Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk expressed hope that his much-anticipated undisputed heavyweight world title fight against Tyson Fury can be held in Saudi Arabia in February. The collection of contracts in September suggests this fight is in the works, but any planned fight in Riyadh on December 23 looks to be delayed due to WBC champion Fury’s tough 10-round fight against former UFC champion Francis Ngannou on October 28.
Usyk holds the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO belts, and his proposed fight against Fury is highly anticipated, given that both boxers are unbeaten. From his training camp in Valencia, Spain, Usyk told Reuters that a specific date should be determined the following week. He added, “It could be February and I would very much like it to be February. I was ready to fight on the 23rd but since Fury got some injuries in the last fight, a knockdown, then probably it will be postponed to next year.”
If the fight were to happen, it would crown the first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999 and the first of the four-belt era. Usyk noted that he would approach the delay with ease, saying, “I’ll just do more technical work. Technically, nothing changes. I just have a little more time for some additional tasks, and that’s it.”
He made it clear that he does not dwell on Fury and instead focuses on his own preparations and team. He mentioned the personal challenges he faces, such as friends fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war, and the motivation he derives from his late father. Usyk also noted his first encounter with Saudi Arabia last year when he fought Anthony Joshua, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity.
In addition, he mentioned his ties to Muhammad Ali and how he is fighting to follow in the footsteps of greats. He also disclosed that he aims to play a larger role in developing the sport of boxing by co-founding Ready to Fight, a digital social platform to connect boxers with various professionals, including managers, coaches, and sparring partners. The concept for this platform materialized when Usyk encountered difficulties in finding reliable sparring partners and suitable training facilities abroad.
Reporting by Alan Baldwin in London, editing by…
