Image:Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have signed contracts for an undisputed world heavyweight title fight
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have signed contracts for an undisputed world heavyweight title fight in Saudi Arabia.
Talks broke down between the rival champions earlier this year, but Fury and Usyk have now agreed terms to put all the world titles at stake in a fight, with a date and venue to be confirmed.
Fury risks his unbeaten record in a bout against former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on October 28.
Usyk defended his WBA, WBO and IBF world titles with a stoppage win over Daniel Dubois in Poland last month.
“I do what I say. I say what I do. Undisputed. This is the Gypsy King era,” Fury posted on Instagram of the news.
The winner of the bout between Fury and Usyk will see the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era.
Fury is undefeated in 34 bouts since he turned professional in 2008, while Usyk has won all 21 of his fights.
“Delighted to finally get this fight signed,” said Queensbury promoter, Frank Warren, said. “This is the biggest fight that could possibly be made in our sport.
“The heavyweights always spark the imagination of the fans, and I have no doubt this will be the biggest boxing event of the century.
“I can’t believe that it’s happening but it is,” said Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk. “Difficult to express my admiration for being part of the biggest heavyweight fight of the century. Respect to Tyson for his courage.”
Sky Sports’ Jonny Nelson says Caroline Dubois has “captured everyone’s attention”, labelling her the “heir apparent” to Claressa Shields ahead of the fight that could see the 22-year-old world champion for the first time.
“From turning professional, Caroline has captured everyone’s attention from the seasoned pros, from fighters like Claressa Shields who could end up being Caroline’s foe,” said Nelson.
Dubois is fighting the Mexican street fighter-turned-pro Magali Rodriguez for her first world title – the IBO lightweight championship – live on Sky Sports this Saturday.
“Her skill, her instinct, her punch power, energy and ambition – everything about it is ridiculous for someone of such little professional experience.”
