Tyson Fury versus Oleksandr Usyk looks on again, that is if fans are to read into promoter Frank Warren’s latest announcement.
The talks have been ongoing since Fury’s One-Sided demolition of Derek Chisora in December of 2022, leaving the heavyweight division in the best possible situation to see a four-belt champion for the first time.
Despite no broadcast blockages or promotional beefs, negotiations have stumbled throughout the process. The targeted date is April 29 at Wembley Stadium, and it’s been made clear by Usyk’s side that if that isn’t honoured then the 70/30 split their man accepted was off the table.
Further pressure was added today by the WBA. The sanctioning body out its foot down in the form of a deadline – deliver a signed contract by the 1st of April or Usyk would be ordered to face his mandatory challenger, Daniel Dubois.
Off the back of that, Fury’s UK promoter, Frank Warren, teased big news – even bigger than his beloved Arsenal FC being clear at the top of the Premier League.
Arsenal 8 points clear!
Even bigger news to come! 👀
— Frank Warren (@FrankWarren) March 19, 2023
The frustration surrounding the negotiations is clear, and must have factored into Warren’s thought process before the tweet. That, fans will hope, is a good sign.
Having said that, the Queensberry promoter has been bullish in the face of adversity recently, claiming that ‘the fight is on’ even despite the negative comments from Usyk’s side.
His pre-announcement comes alongside footage of Tyson Fury caught apparently filming a promotional video for the fight, and optimists may believe that the recent downbeat comments from the Ukrainian were bargaining chips to get some things into the final contract he felt he deserved.
With the April 1 deadline nearing, fresh pressure has been put on the promotion to get the fight announced and deliver to fans what is their right – to see a heavyweight undisputed champion.