WBA, IBF, IBO and WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) is still hoping that a unification fight with WBC champion Tyson Fury takes place at some point in the near future.
The WBA has ordered Usyk to head to a purse bid for a mandatory fight with their ‘regular’ champion Daniel Dubois.
There has been circulating information that investors in the Middle East are willing to pay a lot of money to see Usyk and Fury collide on the same card as a heavyweight collision between Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua.
Earlier this year, Usyk was in serious negotiations to face Fury on a date in April.
Their discussions fell apart after both sides were unable to agree on the monetary terms for a rematch.
According to Usyk, he has no intention of bending any further with respect to the terms.
“I can’t say anything about the fight with Tyson Fury yet: at the moment the fight is not planned, since the negotiations, let’s say, are at an impasse. As far as I know, Wilder and Joshua will fight at the end of this year, but the details of the contract are being discussed within their teams, so no specific comments on that either.,” Usyk told VRinge.
“For Fury, boxing is not only a sport, but also a show. And there is another factor – money. He talks about them all the time and talks about these incredible amounts that he wants to receive for the fight. I believe that all his loud statements are the intensity of passions. Without it, he would be nowhere. So what is he afraid of? He is a professional athlete. And even if he loses, he will [get his money]. It’s no secret that purses are contractually set for both parties. If he wants to draw intrigue, it’s his right, but no one will run after him or make concessions. The fight will take place sooner or later. And everything will be decided in the ring.
“The negotiation process proceeded as it always does. There was nothing unique. The only question mark is Tyson Fury. Holding on to the WBC belt and setting up unacceptable fight conditions in order to be rejected in advance is much more important to him than playing fair in the interests of the boxing industry and the fans who are waiting for this fight.”