Boxing fans worldwide celebrated the news that Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have signed for an undisputed heavyweight title fight.
The pair tried and failed to make a fight earlier in the year, and have since either followed through with or announced other plans.
For the Ukrainian that was a successful defence of his WBA, WBO and IBF belts against Daniel Dubois. In the aftermath, he once again made it clear that the man he wanted was Tyson Fury.
It was announced today that his wish has been granted. Both teams confirmed that the fight was signed for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with a date and more details to follow.
Fury, though, has a fight scheduled. He’s facing former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, on October 28 in the same location.
The MMA man took to social media to react to the news, warning Fury not to count his chickens before they hatch.
“I have been underestimated and doubted before. We’ll see.”
I have been underestimated and doubted before. We’ll see 📝 #FuryNgannou#CountingChickens@riyadhseason#BattleOfTheBaddestpic.twitter.com/G44GazIGZn
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) September 29, 2023
Not many people outside of his own camp give him a shot in the bout, especially given that it’s his boxing debut against a man who could be argued as the best in the world.
In fact, the undisputed announcement perhaps points to the idea that Fury’s team – who have been hyping the fight by praising Ngannou’s power – don’t really believe in the danger they have been selling.
The ten-round fight tops an impressive all-heavyweight card, and will be be available on ESPN in the States and TNT Sports in the UK. It’s assumed that the broadcast details will follow suit for the Usyk fight.
Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, has confirmed that the date will be made official after the Ngannou fight.