Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury have signed to face off in the first undisputed heavyweight bout in over two decades.
The fight has been a longtime coming, in terms of this particular rivalry but more-so for the division having one champion in general.
Following previously ill-fated negotiations, the two titlists have now managed to get the bout across the line with the help of mega money from Saudi Arabia.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Usyk detailed the negotiation process.
“The negotiations have been going on for quite a long time in Saudi Arabia. After having the fight with Dubois we had a meeting with the representatives of the company that is organising the Fury-Ngannou bout and had the agreement on cooperation. Tyson Fury has his contract signed with them. The bout interests all parties.”
“I would like to know the exact day and place. Knowing it allows me to plan my training camp and chose its place. All these help me to start preparing. I understand that the promotion of the match is important and necessary – it is a component of the show. But when I know the day and the place I can put on my helmet, close the visor and set off.”
Ahead of going into his second undisputed bout having won all four titles at cruiserweight, the 36-year-old said there were some niggles from his nine rounds against Daniel Dubois in August.
“I can’t say that everything’s ok. But I’m fine. Some wounds, old injuries need to be healed. Everything’s under control. I do my training sessions every day, but I need 14 weeks for my camp. It would be enough time for me. The first weeks I’m doing my work that helps me to get ready for the training camp. Then I’m working hard for the next 12 weeks.”
Asked if he thinks the touted December 23 date is realistic, the unified champion said no.
“No, I don’t. I would like it to be in December, but there’s no certainty.”
As for a final message to Fury, Usyk kept it pleasant.
“I just adore that cool-bellied dude.”
The Ukrainian will be in attendance for Fury’s crossover bout against Francis Ngannou on October 28, and it’s expected that the undisputed fight date will be announced shortly after.