WBO, IBF, IBO, WBA heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has continued to throw verbal digs at WBC king Tyson Fury.
The two unbeaten beltholders were in talks earlier this year, but their negotiations fell apart over a disagreement on the financial terms for the rematch.
Fury demanded a 70-30 split for the first bout – which Usyk accepted.
However, Usyk wanted a 70-30 split, should he win, for the rematch. Fury rejected that term – and was firm on a 50-50 split for the rematch.
Fury will now take part in a cross-sport boxing match against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou – which is scheduled for October 28 in Saudi Arabia.
The fight with Ngannou will take place under traditional boxing rules.
Usyk will return on August 26 in Poland, with a mandatory defense against Daniel Dubois.
The Ukrainian boxer is certainly not in favor of Fury’s decision to fight Ngannou, who is making his pro debut against one of the best boxers in the world.
“The guy [Ngannou] is going to earn some decent money,” Usyk said to Sky Sports. “For Francis Ngannou, this is a great opportunity, but for Tyson Fury, it’s definitely not. Doesn’t it seem strange that instead of choosing a top-10 guy, he is choosing someone who has never boxed before?”
Usyk believes Fury is “scared” to fight him.
“Yes, of course! Of course,” Usyk said. “Greedy belly [Fury] is afraid of me.”
Should Usyk and Fury win their upcoming fights, a potential undisputed showdown will be right back in position.
“Let’s make it happen,” Usyk said. “I am ready. After I fight Dubois I am ready to go, [but] my main focus now is August 26.”