“Why do I care about my chatter from yesterday?” The half-sentence attributed to Konrad Adenauer is known to serve as a leitmotif for boxing world champion Tyson Fury’s career planning. After his ten-round debacle against Francis Ngannou, the “Gypsy King” could fall on his feet for his full-bodied statements in advance. It’s about the planned duel with Oleksandr Usyk.
Tyson Fury escaped with a black eye. Literally. With his left globular outlined in blue, purple and green, the Brit called on his rival Usyk to prepare for the fight between the rival heavyweight champions. It was one day after the happy and not undisputed point victory over Ngannou. Fury wished his fans a “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
But wait! On December 23rd, Fury and Usyk were actually supposed to celebrate their long-awaited, Faustian coronation mass in Riyadh for the undisputed championship of all classes. The contracts with the Saudis have been signed. Fury, who was obviously expecting a walk against the unexpectedly strong Ngannou, had really hit the fan before the show fight.
“Usyk is a sausage. I expect the fight to take place in December. That’s what I was told and I have no reason to doubt it. Usyk has to fight me in December, he has no choice. He has signed a contract when he does If he doesn’t do it, he has broken the contract and will be sued,” the 35-year-old complained.
After the Ngannou debacle, however, the words “23” and “December” were no longer on Fury’s lips. His promoter Frank Warren confirmed that the fight contract had been signed and was scheduled for December 23rd.
But: “I doubt that it will happen now, because Tyson can’t go back to training camp after such a tough fight after a week’s break. That’s in eight weeks. He needs to let his body heal a little and get back in shape, before he goes to training camp. It will be early next year,” said the 71-year-old on the “5Live Boxing” podcast.
No escape for boxing superstar Tyson Fury?
The “Riyadh season”, which ushered in the Fury vs. Ngannou cash spectacle, runs until March, said Warren. He first advised his protégé to take a break.
But that means: Fury is the one who is breaching the contract. No wonder that the Usyk side is now measuring the 2.06 meter giant by his own words.
“We signed December 23rd, Fury can’t escape that,” said Alexander Krassuyk, the Ukrainian’s promoter, on Sky Sports.
Usyk himself had already made it clear during a face-off with Fury after his fight that “we will be back in this ring in December”. Then he said, “Thank you very much, I’m going to sleep.” At least there was nothing to dispute with this statement.