Tyson Fury 'experiment' rumour debunked by boxing icon as mega Oleksandr Usyk fight approaches

Tyson Fury 'experiment' rumour debunked by boxing icon as mega Oleksandr Usyk fight approaches

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

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 25/04/2024

- 08:39

The duo will battle in Riyadh on May 18

Legendary boxing promoter Bob Arum has shut down talk of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk's upcoming fight experimenting by using six judges as the bout between the two men creeps closer.

Fury and Usyk will lock horns on May 18 in the biggest heavyweight clash of the 21st century.


The Gypsy King has a point to prove, having struggled during his narrow victory over Francis Ngannou in October.

He will be facing a formidable opponent in Usyk, however, with the Ukrainian winning all 21 of his career fights so far.

Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury is preparing for his seismic showdown with Oleksandr Usyk with the pair set to fight in Saudi Arabia next month

PA

It has been rumoured that, for Fury's showdown with Usyk, six judges will be present in a break from tradition.

Yet Arum, speaking to Boxing Scene, has now claimed that 'experiment' is unlikely to happen with a fight of such big magnitude.

"You don't put in something like that for the first time dealing with a major fight from the standpoint of visibility and importance," he said.

"Maybe six judges are better than three - I doubt that, but maybe.

"Nobody knows because it hasn't been done.

"But at least you experiment with that with fights that are not as prominent.”

Boxing fights normally feature three ringside judges who are approved by the commission.

They are usually sat alongside the ring but separated from each other to protect the integrity of the sport.

It's well-known that Fury has a positive relationship with Saudi Arabian chief Turki Alalshikh.

The duo have regularly praised each other over the past year or so, leading to some concerns that Fury could receive preferential treatment when he tackles Usyk next month.

And Alexander Krassyuk, Usyk's promoter, recently said steps had been taken to minimise the risk of bias by going for 'mutual' judges.

“His Excellency mentioned that British fighters were the best in the world, but he omitted the fact that the future Undisputed Heavyweight Champion had a Ukrainian passport," he told World Boxing News.

“Mr. Alalshikh is a great, honourable man and a big fan of boxing.

"It is his right to choose his favourite in the biggest fight of the century.

"We respect him a lot and trust that this boxing match will be contested at the highest level of integrity and sportsmanship."

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Bob Arum

Boxing promoter Bob Arum has shut down talk that there could be six judges in attendance for Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk fight

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He added: "However, we have taken care of the selection of the officials.

"It will be made on mutual approval.”

Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury will be hoping to beat Oleksandr Usyk when they fight in Saudi Arabia on May 18

PA

All eyes are on the pair as the battle approaches.

And who ends up winning remains to be seen.

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