Tyson Fury’s promoter Bob Arum has confirmed that discussions are going for an undisputed fight with Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia – despite his fighter’s claims to the contrary.
Last month, Fury described reports of plans for a big money showdown with Usyk in the Middle East in December as “bull****,” despite the fact members of the Ukrainian’s team had stated they were discussing the fight.
In a recent interview with Ringside Reporter, Arum gave fans even more optimism for the four belt unification, admitting he had some “very interesting talks” with Skills Challenge.
“I have talked to a representative of Skills Challenge, who put on these boxing events in Saudi Arabia.”
“We know these people, we worked for them in connection with the Jake Paul and Tommy Fury fight, so we know who the players are and we’ve had some very interesting talks with them.”
When asked if talks are ongoing with the Saudi representatives for a fight against Usyk in December, Arum confirmed this was the case.
“Yes. That is correct.”
After the debacle of the collapse in negotiations for a meeting between the pair this spring, fans will perhaps be tentative in their optimism for a Fury vs Usyk fight until they see them in a ring.
The plans from Skills Challenge Group in Saudi are said to be for Fury to face Usyk and Joshua to take on Wilder on the same card later this year, in what would be an historic night for the sport.
Usyk looks set to take on mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois before that, however, with Fury also expected to have a fight in the summer, potentially against Andy Ruiz Jr.
If it does take place, the event in Saudi would almost definitely be the richest card in boxing history, with a figure of £300 million being rumoured.