Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk says the undisputed heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury on April 29 is OFF after last-minute talks failed to find a resolution on Wednesday.
He told Sky Sports: ‘I will try to express how disappointed I am, not just for Usyk, not just for this fight not happening but for all boxing fans around the world. Because this is probably the most anticipated fight, the most awaited fight, the most wanted one, not just from the fans but from our side as well.
‘I would love to see this fight. I would love to make it happen as the promoter. Usyk would love to be part of such a huge fight, we all are willing, we are thirsty to make it happen. Of course we are going to use each and every effort, if there is any. But from my perspective I don’t believe it’s possible.’
Fury’s promoter Frank Warren held talks with Usyk’s camp on Wednesday in a bid to try to salvage the undisputed heavyweight fight.
The Brit, who promotes Fury, appeared live on talkSPORT shortly before midday on Wednesday after Usyk’s manager, Egis Klimas, revealed negotiations between the pair had broken down – despite the Gypsy King insisting the Wembley fight was definitely on only last week.
Talks failed to agree a showdown between Tyson Fury (left) and Oleksandr Usyk (right)
An incensed Warren revealed a late dispute over a potential rematch clause has emerged, though ensuring there is no reason the hurdle can’t be overcome, stating: ‘I convinced Tyson to take the rematch. Then we got into how the money will be split in the rematch. The rematch has become a sideshow. Why can’t this be overcome if Usyk wants the fight?’
Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk then joined the call, admitting it was Usyk who has pulled the plug on negotiations and revealing the Ukrainian ‘can’t stand it anymore’. He also insisted Fury was not willing to pay £1million of his purse to Ukraine, a condition set by Usyk.
However, Warren and Krassyuk then agreed to speak on the phone immediately, with Warren in particular hopeful a full announcement.
Promoter Frank Warren had talks with Usyk’s camp to try to salvage the fight on Wednesday
Warren, earlier in the call, revealed he had only been informed of the breakdown in talks on Tuesday. ‘No, I’m not confirming it’s off,’ he said.
‘All I’ve had from him [Klimas] officially was an email that said, ‘Gentlemen, hope you’re okay, I’m not going into details, start to blame or point the finger to anyone, but we’d like to officially announce that Team Usyk is out of further negotiations regarding the April 29 fight’. We got that yesterday, that’s the first we heard of it.’
Usyk had previously agreed to Fury’s demand of a 70/30 split in his favour for the Wembley clash, with Warren on Wednesday adding that most of the details – including who would walk to the ring first – had been settled.
However, Usyk’s team then backtracked after being asked to ditch a proposed rematch clause.
Warren now insists Fury – who has been in full training for three weeks – has agreed to keep a rematch clause in the contract, though the split for a second fight is yet to be agreed.
Usyk is believed to have requested a 70/30 split in his favour in the rematch should he prevail in the opening bout. Fury, however, has asked for a 50/50 split in the rematch should he lose – the same terms given to Anthony Joshua in his rematch against the Ukrainian.
Whether the two camps can actually come to a full agreement remains to be seen, with Warren admitting the negotiations will have to be finalised within the next day or two for the fight to remain possible.
Krassyuk is certain, at this stage, that the fight remains off, however. He said: ‘Only God can give a 100 per cent guarantee, but from our perspective it’s not happening on the 29th. I’m very sincere. It is what it is. Usyk’s camp have pulled the plug.’
The Ukrainian earlier on Wednesday slammed Fury for putting ‘so many obstacles’ in the way of the fight and ultimately blamed the Briton for the bout falling through.
Usyk’s team claim their proposed undisputed showdown with Fury is now dead in the water
The Ukrainian’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk (L) says Fury ‘went too far’ with his demands
He told talkSPORT: ‘The fight is called off. The reason for that is it went too far.
‘There was a feeling that after Usyk accepted 70-30, Tyson Fury started thinking that he could put a tether around his neck and start riding Usyk as much as he can.
‘It’s not right. I mean, Usyk accepted the 70-30 split as a courtesy, he was so loyal, and he was so willing to make this fight happen. But the fight isn’t about Tyson Fury, the fight is about the WBC belt that is pending in his collection.’
Fury was last in action last December, beating Derek Chisora by stoppage, while Usyk overcame Anthony Joshua for the second time last August to tee up what would be the first unification bout at heavyweight in the four-belt era.
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