Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk showdown postponed to next year?
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight title is unlikely to occur until next year, according to promoter Frank Warren. Fury recently secured a controversial split decision victory over Francis Ngannou in a non-title fight in Saudi Arabia.
Postponement of Fury-Usyk Showdown
Despite initial plans to stage the Fury-Usyk showdown on December 23, Warren expressed doubts about the feasibility of this timeline due to Fury's demanding bout against Ngannou. «Tyson can't be going into a camp after a tough fight like that. That's eight weeks away. He needs at least a bit of time to get himself, his body, back into shape. Let it heal. Then get into a camp. It will be on early next year,» Warren explained.
Negotiations and 'Riyadh Season'
The negotiations for a bout between Fury and Usyk spanned nearly a year, culminating in an agreement in September. This highly anticipated fight would determine the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era and form part of 'Riyadh Season,' an entertainment events festival held in Saudi Arabia's capital each winter since 2019.
"'Riyadh season' finishes in March, so [Fury-Usyk] could take place up until March," Warren said, highlighting the potential timeframe for the bout.
Saudi Arabia's Growing Role in Sports
The Fury-Ngannou showdown also contributed to 'Riyadh Season,' with the Saudi Arabian government reportedly making substantial financial investments to host the crossover event. Saudi Arabia's increasing involvement in global sports, including boxing matches, an annual Formula 1 race, and a bid for the 2034 World Cup, has raised concerns due to the country's human rights record.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, however, expressed indifference
