Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk resume talks to determine world heavyweight champion

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk could be part of a four-man heavyweight tournament in Saudi Arabia this year.
Tyson Fury has re-entered talks with Oleksandr Usyk to fight in December - Credit: Getty ImagesTyson Fury has re-entered talks with Oleksandr Usyk to fight in December - Credit: Getty Images
Tyson Fury has re-entered talks with Oleksandr Usyk to fight in December - Credit: Getty Images

Talks between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have been ongoing for what feels like an age. A fight was set to go ahead this April, but talks collapsed due to differing demands from each party.

Now, Fury’s promoter has confirmed that the Gypsy King is back in talks with the fellow world heavyweight champion. The two world renowned boxers could feature in a four-man tournament in Saudi Arabia later this year.

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The unique tournament could also feature heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, who are both in talks to attend. It aims to end debates among fans and crown an undisputed world heavyweight champion between the four boxers this December.

Fury has denied any involvement in the tournament on social media. However, Bob Arum, his promoter, recently spoke with Ringside Reporter Live on YouTube to confirm otherwise. He told the channel: “I have talked to a representative of Skills Challenge, who put on these boxing events in Saudi Arabia.”

When asked if talks were ongoing for the event this December, Arum responded: “That is correct. We know these people, we worked for them in connection with the Jake Paul and Tommy Fury fight, so we know who the players are and we’ve had some very interesting talks with them.”

Usyk previously admitted he was “very happy” when talks with Fury collapsed so he could return to his home country of Ukraine. Usyk looks likely to fight Daniel Dubois this summer prior to the Saudi Tournament, although no official date has been set as of now.

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Tyson Fury is also expected to put his gloves on this summer, with a heavily rumoured match against the 6 '6 Zhilei Zhang anticipated to take place in July. Negotiations are still ongoing between the two.