Tyson Fury has started his public call outs – and that can only be a good sign in terms of an undisputed bout.
‘The Gypsy King’ has been relatively off radar for the start of 2023 after a year of two successful title defences against a couple of domestic rivals in Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora.
Pundits, fighters and fans all agree now that there’s only one fight he should be looking at, and that’s a four-belt clash with Oleksandr Usyk.
As negotiations go on behind the scenes, Usyk posted a video online recently asking Fury where he was – perhaps surprised at the lack of insults and mind games.
Well, Fury has delivered – addressing the Ukrainian as ‘rabbit’ and confirming that he’s ready to fight via his official Instagram.
“Tyson Fury here. WBC heavyweight number one – get up world champion! Usyk, calling out the Gypsy King with your pathetic little call outs, dosser. Rabbit. I’m coming for you, rabbit. You’re getting it, rabbit.”
Fury previously explained the nickname by claiming that ‘he just looks like a rabbit.’ He went on to call him an ‘ugly little chavvy’ and said that he was ‘the farmer’ who would skin Usyk and eat him for breakfast. That’s more what we’re used to from the WBC champ.
Usyk brings the WBA, IBF and WBO belts to the table in what will be the first undisputed bout since Lennox Lewis graced the ring. For Fury, it’s a chance to join his heavyweight heroes in the history books.
For Usyk, the fight represents a chance to become remembered as perhaps one of the greatest fighters ever, having united all of the belts at cruiserweight before this.
The latest update on talks was positive, with promoter Bob Arum expecting an offer from Saudi Arabia this week. Should the offer not come through, the teams will consider Wembley Stadium.