Fresh off the news that the proposed undisputed heavyweight championship fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will not go ahead, the Ukrainian’s promoter has cited ‘unacceptable’ demands as the reason.
Usyk publicly accepted just 30% of the purse split to put his three titles – won from Anthony Joshua – on the line against Fury’s sole belt.
With that obstacle cleared, the Brit’s side were buoyant that the legacy-defining contest would go ahead on April 29 at Wembley Stadium.
That was until ESPN reported Usyk’s team had put an end to negotiations after feeling they were pushed too far.
Speaking to TalkSPORT, Alex Krassyuk confirmed that the fight with Fury would not be going ahead, citing a distinct lack of respect for their man in negotiations.
“The fight is called off. The reason for that is it went too far. There was a feeling that after Usyk accepted 70/30 Tyson Fury started to think he can put a saddle on his neck and start riding Usyk as much as he can. It is not right.
Usyk accepted the 70/30 split. He was so loyal and he was so willing to make this fight happen. But this fight is not about Tyson Fury. It is about the WBC belt and expanding his collection.
If it is so complicated that Tyson tries to avoid it by putting so many obstacles in front of making the deal, then there is no need to put more effort into it.”
Asked what in particular was the final straw, Krassyuk said that there was a list.
“If I start telling you the list of things he wanted, 15 minutes would not be enough.
There was a list of things he wanted to get in his favour which were absolutely unacceptable and complete disrespect to the unified champion and former undisputed champion.”
Fans now watch as the chance to see a first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis fades. Usyk will now look to fulfil his mandatory obligation against Daniel Dubois. It’s unclear what Fury has planned.