Tyson Fury promoter makes 'very strong' demand as blockbuster Oleksandr Usyk fight creeps closer

Tyson Fury promoter makes 'very strong' demand as blockbuster Oleksandr Usyk fight creeps closer

WATCH NOW: Tyson Fury press conference ahead of Oleksandr Usyk fight

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 14/04/2024

- 13:58

Updated: 14/04/2024

- 13:59

The two men will battle in Saudi Arabia on May 18

Tyson Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, has demanded a 'very strong' referee for the Gypsy King's blockbuster fight with Oleksandr Usyk on May 18.

Fury and Usyk had been due to fight in December, and then March, only for the bout to be pushed back.


It will be the first heavyweight showdown since the days of Lennox Lewis, with Fury also going into the clash with a point to prove.

The Briton was poor when he last stepped into the ring, only beating Francis Ngannou via split decision back in October.

Boxing news Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk

Boxing news: Tyson Fury's promoter Frank Warren has demanded a 'very strong' referee for Oleksandr Usyk fight

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Warren feels the referee for the fight with Ngannou, Michael Griffin, wasn't good enough.

And the boxing promoter, speaking to Sky Sports, has now admitted he's hoping chiefs will pick a 'very strong' candidate for Fury vs Usyk.

"We want to get all these things done. We want no controversy. We want somebody in there who everybody respects and will be very, very strong," he said.

"The last referee was just a joke. Completely ridiculous the whole thing.

"Whether it was a low blow or not, the time he gave him and then, when he wanted to fight, he said 'no, take more time out'."

Fury's fight with Usyk was pushed back earlier this year after the 35-year-old sustained a serious cut above his eye.

And Warren has admitted he wouldn't be surprised if the Ukrainian targeted that injury to boost his chances of beating Fury.

He added: "I'm sure they're going to use every trick in the book and that's boxing isn't it?

"That's what's going to happen and Tyson's a seasoned pro, a seasoned warrior and he knows what he's got to do."

Warren does, however, think Fury has the edge over Usyk - expressing a belief his man has already identified a weakness in his rival as their bout creeps closer.

"One thing about Tyson, if he senses a crack or sees any weakness, he's the biggest exploiter of it and that's why it's going to be such an exciting fight," he said.

"His [Usyk's] Achilles' heel, as I've said, and I'm surprised the so-called experts never picked up on it, has always been his body.

"Daniel Dubois, that's what he was trained for, to go and exploit that and he nearly pulled it off.

"I think [Fury] will stop him but I think it going to be a real, real exciting fight while it lasts."

Fury held a press conference in Morecambe last week.

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The Gypsy King was in good spirits, too, repeatedly insisting he'll beat Usyk and end his opponent's unbeaten record.

Fury did, however, admit he was worried that he could become ill in the near future - because he's already physically ready for the showdown.

He admitted: "I’m actually frightened of where I am at the moment, and that’s a fact.

"I won’t lie to you, I’m actually terrified of where I am at the moment.

"Because I’m ready to go this weekend – and I’ve got five more weekends to go.

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Boxing news: Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will finally meet in the ring on May 18

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"So, like Sugar[hill Steward, Fury’s coach] said, the thing is not doing tons of training, but it’s to do less, because I’m already ready.

"And if I peak too soon, then I’ll come down with an illness, a flu chest, infection, whatever – and then it’s all f****d."

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