Tyson Fury's undisputed title clash with Oleksandr Usyk is OFF after talks broke down.
The 'Gypsy King' looked set to face Usyk in a historic clash for the undisputed heavyweight world titles with months of negotiations finally looking close to conclusion. The pair argued over several terms in public with Fury demanding a 70/30 purse split which Usyk gladly accepted, before then also suggesting neither fighter is granted a rematch clause.
Progress appeared to have been made over the weekend with Frank Warren teasing confirmation of the fight, while Fury appeared to begin filming a promotional video for the showdown. However in a fresh statement hinting at total collapse, Usyk's manager Egis Klimas appears to have heaped blame on the Briton.
He told ESPN: “No matter how much Usyk compromised, he was pushed for more.” Klimas reportedly then confirmed Usyk will look to return later in the summer around June or July in a mandatory defence which could line up potential bouts with either Filip Hrgovic or Daniel Dubois.
Reports suggest progress was made over the weekend which led to positivity around the fight being made, but the pair couldn't agree on several critical terms to ensure a deal was inked. It remains unclear what could be next for Fury given question marks were raised over his readiness to compete in the ring.
It was less than six weeks until the proposed April 29 date and it remains unclear if Fury will now delay his return to prepare more adequately for an opponent. There will likely be a number of options for the Briton having already completed his mandatory challenge for now which could see a crossover bout with former UFC champion Francis Ngannou.
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The pair have already publicly agreed to a mixed-rules bout and Fury initially proposed that he could step in the ring with Ngannou this year providing he has completed his own ambitions in the ring. However with the Usyk fight now dead in the water, Fury suggested that he could look to touch gloves with the Cameroon star as priority.
"I’m hoping so [a fight with Francis Ngannou materialises]," Fury told GiveMeSport when discussing his options if a clash with Usyk collapses. "I’m very much hoping so. Because if Usyk doesn’t happen like this month coming, then I’m going to say, 'right then, let’s move on and do Francis Ngannou'.
"And I’m looking to get big Francis in a cage with 4oz gloves on and throw down with him swinging some big bombs. It’s risky because Francis at one point was considered the biggest puncher in combat sports. So, with 4oz gloves on, all it takes is one punch and it’s all over."
