John Fury has once again reiterated the fact that he wouldn’t be happy with his son, Tyson, taking a 50/50 purse split with Oleksandr Usyk in a heavyweight bout for the undisputed title.
The negotiations for the four-belt clash have been ongoing since December of last year, with fans promised at that time that nothing would stand in the way of the fight being made.
Almost into March, Team Usyk claim that they haven’t been sent a contract. Furthermore, with Saudi Arabia reportedly off the table and Wembley Stadium the only other option, discussions have turned back to purse splits and who deserves what.
John Fury told ID Boxing News that the Ukrainian – who holds three belts to Fury’s one – should take 30%.
“Being the great champion Tyson is, it would have to be 60/40. But here’s another scenario – take 30%, and if you can beat Tyson you’ll get 40. There’s one for you.”
The father of ‘The Gypsy King’ believes this to be a fair offer because ‘nobody knows’ the elite Ukrainian, who went undisputed in the cruiserweight division before moving up to heavyweight and beating Anthony Joshua twice to get himself into this position.
“At the end of the day, who is Oleksandr Usyk? If Joshua hadn’t have fought him, nobody knows his name. He couldn’t sell out the Manchester Arena. Tyson’s a big crowd pull, he’s pulled in the big crowds before. Tyson’s the A side. He should be lucky he’s fighting Tyson. He’s got the belts Tyson’s already had. Tyson’s closet’s full of them.
“At the end of the day, take the 30%, let’s get the fight on and if you do beat Tyson you can get the 40%. Put it in the contract. Tyson wins anyway.”
Whilst it’s understood that John Fury isn’t a part of the official talks between promoters, he certainly has his son’s ear. It’s another negative update for the fight that’s looking less likely than ever.