Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk is off as Ukrainian quits training camp
Egis Klimas and Frank Warren have their say, and fans react with their preferred opponents
The heavyweight title unification bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is off, according to the Ukrainian's camp.
The long awaited heavyweight unification bout between WBC titlist Tyson Fury and unified champ Oleksandr Usyk is off, according to reports. After months of negotiations, provisions for an April 29 bout at London’s Wembley Stadium have collapsed, with the Ukrainian's team confirming he has left his training camp.
Reports suggest that talks collapsed due to the parties being unable to reach an agreement over the purse split for the rematch.
What has been said?
Alex Krassyuk: "If I start telling you the things he wanted, 15 minutes is not enough. There was a list of things he wanted which were absolutely unacceptable, complete disrespect to the unified and former undisputed champion. No matter how much "
Egis Klimas: "I don't want to go into details as all negotiations were confidential, but I will tell you one thing, when a fighter doesn't want to fight he overprices himself knowing that the fight won't happen."
Frank Warren: "You know why they want rematch clause? Because it's two paydays. They're not going to get the payday anywhere else apart from Tyson. Alex [Krassyuk], Egis [Klimas], please speak to your man, he is a Ukrainian warrior. We want to see him in the right with Tyson Fury on the 29th. Let's get it on!"
Reactions
Shelly Finkel: "If the Usyk fight is available, Deontay {Wilder] will take it in a heartbeat."
Dev Sahni: "I’ve got so much respect for Oleksandr Usyk and everything he’s achieved. I honestly don’t know why he isn’t just cracking on with the fight on April 29. If he beats Tyson Fury and isn’t tied into a rematch clause then surely he’s a huge commodity who can name his price around the world. He can enter negotiations with Fury, Wilder, Joshua and with his increase in value surely dictate? Why are we bogged down in this rematch talk now and why is it holding up undisputed?"
Chris Andre: "Frank Warren's not being specific on the rematch split demands but says Fury is the A-side and then speaking of Usyk's overall pay as being higher than ever before. So what, Frank? That's not a % cut! That's given my answer as to who is at fault. Great job!"
Tim Rickson: "After many years of building up a big backing and being a 'People's Champion', I'm seeing many boxing fans turning away from Fury now. If this trend continues then he is going to be remembered for all the times he didn't fight instead of for the times he did."
Dana White: "That is boxing… the big fights that should happen never happen and when they do it's always too late."
Aaron Jackson: "He [Tyson] runs from anyone half decent. His resume is ridiculous."
Twitter User: "I was one of Fury's biggest fansover the last few years but I've lost so much respect for the guy, he is an habitual liar when it comes to boxing, and those people who can't see that need to open their eyes. P.S aso think he's scared of Usyk."
Who should Fury fight next?
"As Joyce is tied up with a fight and we have seen Fury v Wilder, I would prefer [Andy] Ruiz."
"Slow moving, easy to hit Joe Joyce, that was the plan all along."
"I would prefer Joyce to cancel his April 15 fight and fight Fury."
"Would like the winner of Zhang and Joyce."
"If it's not Usyk or AJ he might as well retire."
"He will probably fight Wilder again."
"I'd happily watch Fury vs Ruiz Jr. it makes more sense than fourth fight with Wilder."
"Both Ruiz Jr. and Wilder are available. I'd personally prefer to see the Ruiz fight, but Fury-Wilder 4 makes more sense financially."
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