Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury have been in talks with each other for the last one year for a potential heavyweight bout. The two heavyweights since have also been accusing each other of delaying a bout agreement.
Good news for Fury, Usyk, and boxing fans, as it has been reported that Fury and Usyk’s camps have reached an agreement for a fight. This agreement marks the end of a protracted negotiation period between the undefeated boxing stars.
Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury signed to fight for heavyweight titles
On Friday, Tyson Fury announced via Instagram that a bout agreement has been signed for a heavyweight title unification bout with Usyk. ESPN was the first to report that the bout is tentatively set for December 23.
The fight is expected to take place in Saudi Arabia, where Fury competes on Oct. 28 when he faces former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Francis is being trained by Legend Mike Tyson, a reality which makes Tyson Fury “sad.” Presumably, the date for Fury’s fight with Usyk could be affected should he suffer any injuries in his fight with Ngannou.
The bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will determine boxing’s undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF & WBO heavyweight champion. Fury became the world heavyweight champion by defeating Wladimir Klitschko back in 2015. Fury vacated his titles in 2016 while battling mental health issues and facing an anti-doping investigation that resulted in him serving a two-year suspension from competition. He later defeated Deontay Wilder to reclaim the WBC belt.
Boxing community react to Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury signing
The boxing community was quick to react to the long-awaited match-up between the two heavyweight stars. YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul responded by tweeting that if Francis Ngannou KO’s Tyson Fury, he would go on to face Oleksandr Usyk. The younger Paul brother admires Ngannou and has backed Francis Ngannou for the fight between Ngannou and Fury, even claiming Ngannou is the best heavyweight fighter in the world.
The MMA Hour interviewer, Ariel Helwani, also took to Twitter to express his thoughts on the match-up between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Ariel claimed the fight to be “Massive” and “Historic.” However, the podcast host also mentioned that the announcement of the fight just before the bout with Francis might be disrespectful to the former UFC heavyweight champion.
Who do you think will emerge victor? Tell us in the comments your thoughts on the matchup between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
