The negotiations for fans to see an undisputed heavyweight champion continue to move ahead, with Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk both edging closer to stepping in the ring.
The date and venue are yet to be decided, but if late March or April are indeed the targets, some movement will be required soon. Bob Arum recently told Boxing Scene that Saudi Arabia – the frontrunner for host – makes separate deals with each fighter.
“The way they operate is they make deals with each of the fighters. We’ve been led to believe that they’re going to come with a proposal [this] week. I’ll believe it when I see it, but it’s not like they haven’t come through in the past.”
Now, in a further update provided by the veteran US promoter, it’s been said that Usyk has been offered and accepted said deal. Arum told Gareth A Davies that they are now expecting similar for Fury.
“Usyk’s people tell me that they have a deal that they’re satisfied with and now and if the Saudis are truly interested they’ll make a deal with us for Tyson Fury and we’re off to the races.
The fight would take place either before or after Ramadan but the fighters don’t need a long window to prepare if it’s after Ramadan because neither are Muslim.”
The updates represent progress, but shrink the dreams of UK fans who were keen to see the undisputed heavyweight champion crowned at Wembley Stadium.
The British venue hasn’t been ruled out yet, and Team Fury have pointed out that it’s their preferred location, but it takes two to make the fight, and it’s hard to see the Ukrainian looking past a Middle Eastern payday – especially if he’s already agreed those terms.
With Fury’s WBC belt being pitted against Usyk’s IBF, WBO and WBA, time is of the essence to deliver the historic fight as the rest of the heavyweights ready themselves for the aftermath and their shots at championship glory.