Boxing fans collectively rejoiced at the recent announcement that a long awaited undisputed heavyweight world title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk had been signed.
Had the bout not been agreed, Usyk would have had to defend his unified crown IBF mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic, who has been waiting for his shot at world honours. Many had speculated that he would be the man to stand in the way of a potential four belt unification.
However, when asked by Boxing Social if Fury vs Usyk had been cleared by all four governing bodies to have their titles on the line, promoter Frank Warren was resounding in his answer.
“Yep! It’s not my problem, the fight is signed – it’s on.”
After nearly a full calendar year of social media back and forth and stuttering negotiations, Fury and Usyk have finally signed contracts for the legacy defining bout, which will land in Saudi Arabia in either late December or early next year.
Fury has opened up as favourite with the oddsmakers to emerge with all four world titles and solidify his standing as the number one heavyweight of his era.
‘The Gypsy King’ must first emerge unscathed from his crossover bout against MMA star Francis Ngannou later this month, though it would be a huge shock if anything Ngannou – who will be making his professional boxing debut – does in Riyadh on the 28th causes any significant delays to the undisputed clash.
A two way rematch clause is reportedly in play for Fury vs Usyk – though it is almost certain that all four world titles will not be on the line in the second fight.
That is where Hrgovic will get his shot, as the IBF have reportedly written to all parties to confirm that their champion must face him after the undisputed bout. Should a rematch indeed take place, the belt will be declared vacant and Hrgovic will fight the top contender – currently Otto Wallin – for it.