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The promoter of unified world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14KOs) still has reservations about whether a highly anticipated lucrative encounter or rematch between the Ukrainian and rival Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24KOs) will happen once the pair meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 18.
Alex Krassyuk remains skeptical about the prospect of any fight between the top-tier heavyweights. A previously penned date of February 17 fell by the wayside after Fury was cut in preparation for the landmark encounter. A swiftly rearranged date was announced for May, yet Krassyuk still has his doubts.
Speaking to World Boxing News, Krayssuk indicated that the heavyweight duo’s two-fight agreement should come to a conclusion by the end of 2024, yet he does not hold any confidence in Fury upholding his side of the agreement.
“Theoretically, the rematch should happen before the end of 2024. However, we all know that Tyson is not the world’s best rematch-er,” Krayssuk told World Boxing News. “After he loses to Usyk in the first bout, you cannot predict his behavior at all. I say this, but I have no guarantee that the first fight ever takes place. The man has withdrawn four times in a row already. We have even decided to stop all the jokes and criticisms towards Luke [Fury] to support his confidence.”
Turki Alalshikh, following the rearrangement of the undisputed encounter for May 18, warned Fury that if he were to withdraw from the rearranged date, the WBC champion would be subjected to a financial penalty of $10m.
“If there is anything else we can do to help him get in the ring with Usyk, we are ready to do that,” Krassyuk added. “Usyk’s goal is to get the fourth heavyweight belt and to complete the undisputed. After accomplishing this mission, other options can be considered.”