Tyson Fury's undisputed title clash with Oleksandr Usyk is no longer expected to take place the night before the World Cup final.
The 'Gypsy King' claimed he was retired from the sport following his WBC title defence against Dillian Whyte and even vacated his Ring magazine title earlier this month. But after Usyk successfully defeated Anthony Joshua for a second time to defend his unified titles, Fury made a U-turn and agreed to enter negotiations with his fellow champion.
It was originally suggested by Fury's promoter Frank Warren that the fight could take place on December 17 with Saudi Arabia the frontrunners to play host. However ESPN have reported that the fight is now "highly unlikely" to take place on that weekend is now being eyed for either February 11 or 18 next year.
If the fight lands on the first weekend, it will coincide with the Super Bowl which is set for the following day. ESPN also reported Fury's co-promoter Bob Arum as saying the Middle East will likely land the fight but that Qatar and the UAE are in the running alongside Saudi Arabia.
Shortly after Usyk's win over Joshua, Fury accepted the undisputed fight and the 34-year-old believes he will easily brush past Usyk and is demanding a mega-fee for the clash. “It’s the biggest fight in the world so it needs to be the biggest pay day in the world," Fury said on talkSPORT. [Floyd] Mayweather got £400million to fight [Manny] Pacquiao, I want £500m!
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“It’s some foreigner who nobody really cares about. To fight this unknown entity and give him an opportunity of legendary status? They have to pay for that. I know they [Saudi Arabia] have got the money. They’ve offered Tiger Woods $1billion [to join LIV Golf]. “I have no real interest in Usyk. Some man that nobody can really say his name?
"A pumped-up middleweight? It’s not my fault he’s gone and battered AJ, some bodybuilder! It’s not my fault that happened twice in a row. There has only ever been me. They try to compete, but they get beat. There’s no disrespect to Joshua – but at top-level, world-class boxing, he just can’t cut it.”
