WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, currently has two fights lined up – one this weekend against former UFC fighter, Francis Ngannou and one against fellow heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk.
The date for the Usyk clash has yet to be confirmed despite the announcement of the historic showdown, but now the Brit has tried to provide some clarity on the schedule.
Last month, to the shock of most boxing fans, the pair announced they had agreed a deal to fight each other, in the first undisputed heavyweight bout since the dawn of the four-belt era, and to crown the first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis.
Speculation around the targeted date grew and ESPN reported that they would meet in the ring on December 23 or in January 2024, likely dependent on how Fury came through against Ngannou.
In an interview with Sky Sports Fury confirmed that papers had been signed for the fight to take place in December and told Usyk he’ll be sued if it’s delayed, in light of the Ukrainian’s hopes for a longer training camp.
“I’m expecting it to take place in December, that’s what I’ve been told, so I’ve got no reason to disbelieve it, for sure.
“Usyk has to fight me in December, doesn’t have a choice. He’s signed a contract so if he doesn’t, he’s breached contract and he gets sued, so doesn’t really have a choice.”
For the fight to happen before the end of the year Fury must come through unscathed against Ngannou, the man who holds the world record for hardest ever punch recorded.