Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk is set for May 18.
Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter has doubts over his fighter’s undisputed showdown against Tyson Fury.
Fury, who holds the WBC title, will meet Usyk, who’s in possession of the WBA (super), WBO and IBF belts, on May 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following the postponement of their February clash.
The self-proclaimed ‘Gypsy King’ was forced to withdraw from their original meeting after sustaining a nasty cut above his eye suffered in a spar.
Their new date is just under two months away, but Alexander Krassyuk is skeptical of the first fight happening let alone the contracted rematch.
“Theoretically, the rematch should happen before the end of 2024. However, we all know that Tyson is not the world’s best rematch-er,” he explained.
“And after he loses to Usyk in the first bout, you cannot predict his behaviour at all.
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“I say this, but I have no guarantee that the first fight ever takes place. The man has withdrawn four times in a row already. We have even decided to stop all the jokes and criticisms towards Luke to support his confidence.
“So, if there is anything else we can do to help him get in the ring with Usyk, we are ready to do that.”
Oleksandr Usyk and Alexander Krassyuk during a press conference. Image: Getty
Asked whether there’s a back-up fighter in place if Fury isn’t able to compete on May 18, Krassyuk added: “Usyk’s goal is to get the fourth heavyweight belt and to complete the undisputed.
“After accomplishing this mission other options can be regarded.”
Saudi Arabia advisor Turki Alalshikh has stipulated a £10 million penalty if either Fury or Usyk pull out of the bout.
Despite the warning from the boxing chief, Krassyuk isn’t convinced the undefeated Brit will turn up to face the Ukrainian star.
Fury, meanwhile, hasn’t fought since his controversial victory over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou last October.
As for Usyk, he beat Daniel Dubois in his last outing back in August 2023.
