Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury have been in talks with each other for the last one year for a potential heavyweight bout. The two heavyweights since have also been accusing each other of delaying a bout agreement.
Good news for Fury, Usyk, and boxing fans, as it has been reported that Fury and Usyk’s camps have reached an agreement for a fight. This agreement marks the end of a protracted negotiation period between the undefeated boxing stars.
Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury signed to fight for heavyweight titles
On Friday, Tyson Fury announced via Instagram that a bout agreement has been signed for a heavyweight title unification bout with Usyk. ESPN was the first to report that the bout is tentatively set for December 23.
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have signed contracts for an undisputed heavyweight championship fight in Saudi Arabia, multiple sources told ESPN.
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) September 29, 2023
Fight could take place Dec. 23 or sometime in January, sources said. Fury first meets Francis Ngannou on Oct. 28 in Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/iVCSZ64Tsv
The fight is expected to take place in Saudi Arabia, where Fury competes on Oct. 28 when he faces former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Francis is being trained by Legend Mike Tyson, a reality which makes Tyson Fury “sad.” Presumably, the date for Fury’s fight with Usyk could be affected should he suffer any injuries in his fight with Ngannou.
‼️ Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk is reportedly now SIGNED for the undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF & WBO heavyweight world titles and will take place on Dec 23rd or in January. [According to @MikeCoppinger] pic.twitter.com/0ZyCF0KBr9
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) September 29, 2023
The bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will determine boxing’s undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF & WBO heavyweight champion. Fury became the world heavyweight champion by defeating Wladimir Klitschko back in 2015. Fury vacated his titles in 2016 while battling mental health issues and facing an anti-doping investigation that resulted in him serving a two-year suspension from competition. He later defeated Deontay Wilder to reclaim the WBC belt.
Boxing community react to Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury signing
The boxing community was quick to react to the long-awaited match-up between the two heavyweight stars. YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul responded by tweeting that if Francis Ngannou KO’s Tyson Fury, he would go on to face Oleksandr Usyk. The younger Paul brother admires Ngannou and has backed Francis Ngannou for the fight between Ngannou and Fury, even claiming Ngannou is the best heavyweight fighter in the world.
So if Francis KOs Tyson, he goes on to face Usyk? Wild.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) September 29, 2023
The MMA Hour interviewer, Ariel Helwani, also took to Twitter to express his thoughts on the match-up between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Ariel claimed the fight to be “Massive” and “Historic.” However, the podcast host also mentioned that the announcement of the fight just before the bout with Francis might be disrespectful to the former UFC heavyweight champion.
Great to see Fury x Usyk is finally signed. Massive, historic fight.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 29, 2023
However, am I crazy for thinking that announcing this a month before Fury x Ngannou is disrespectful to Ngannou?
Why not announce it on the night of the fight if Fury wins?
Who do you think will emerge victor? Tell us in the comments your thoughts on the matchup between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.