The boxing world is abuzz with the prospects of an undisputed heavyweight showdown between the unified champion Oleksandr Usyk and the WBC titleholder Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia next year. Reports from ESPN indicate that the talks for this epic clash in 2024 are intensifying. Despite Fury’s hints about the fight being “simmering,” fans harbor doubts. Many view Fury’s recent choices as a retirement tour, leveraging his WBC title for financially rewarding bouts against lesser-known opponents or non-traditional boxers.
The concern stems from Saudi Arabia’s willingness to sponsor what some fans deem as low-caliber “circus-level” fights. By constantly allowing the Usyk fight to simmer while he explores other options, Fury is treading dangerous waters. Usyk, at 36, could potentially lose in a title defense, diminishing the allure of a face-off with Fury. This would pave the way for Fury to face other contenders like Filip Hrgovic, Zhilei Zhang, or Joe Joyce, which might be more to his liking. Many believe Usyk’s agility and precision could prove problematic for Fury.
Mike Coppinger of ESPN highlights the potential of the fight, remarking, “I’m told that talks are really heating up to match Fury & Usyk next year in Saudi Arabia.” The backdrop, however, paints Fury in a negative light. Some fans believe Fury is exploiting his WBC title, avoiding the fights they wish to see. Names on the wishlist include Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder among others.
While fans eagerly await a clash between Usyk and Fury, the former’s victory is not set in stone. As Coppinger puts it, “There’s a lot of optimism that the fight is finally going to happen, provided Fury gets past [Francis] Ngannou,” although there's little concern over that outcome. Despite the skepticism, if the fight does come to fruition, it promises to be a landmark event for boxing enthusiasts globally.
Image Credit: Sky Sports