Tyson Fury threatened with huge fine if he pulls out of Oleksandr Usyk fight again after new date agreed

Tyson Fury threatened with huge fine if he pulls out of Oleksandr Usyk fight again after new date agreed

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Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 04/02/2024

- 14:08

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have agreed a new date for their unification heavyweight clash.

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will reportedly have to stump up £8million to the other fighter if they pull out of the newly scheduled May 18 date.

Boxing fans hoping to see the first heavyweight unification fight of the century this month were made to wait after Fury pulled out of the clash having suffered a cut in training.


Usyk's camp had originally wanted to keep the February 17th date to ensure another training camp wasn't wasted.

There were genuine fears that the unification bout may be pushed back until later this year or even to the start of 2025.

Tyson Fury will have to stump up if he pulls out again

Tyson Fury will have to stump up if he pulls out again

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However, Fury and Usyk came to an agreement on Saturday for the fight to be rescheduled for May 18.

That gives Fury three months to fully recover from the cut above his eye.

Both fighters appeared in an interview with Ariel Helwani on Saturday night after the new date was announced.

Saudi boxing boss Turki Alalshikh appeared alongside Fury while Usyk was sat with his manager Egis Klimas.

Fury and Usyk's manager became embroiled in a war of words at one stage with Fury taking exception to comments made by the 59-year-old.

Alalshikh also revealed a financial incentive both fighters to ensure the May 18 fight will go ahead without any more issues.

The Saudi advisor said any fighter who pulls out of the rescheduled bout will be forced to cough up £8m to the other boxer.

He said: "I have delayed it for May 18, I guarantee for both of the fighters $10million (£8m) if someone escapes from the fight.

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will fight on May 18

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will fight on May 18

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"We will make the people around the world know if someone is scared."

Alalshikh also explained that he would look to Anthony Joshua as a possible replacement for Usyk if the Ukrainian pulls out of the May 18 fight.

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He added: "I guarantee there will be another big fight on the same night [if it is cancelled].

"If Usyk is scared then I will call for Joshua vs Fury and if Fury is scared I will call for any fighter that Usyk wants.

"This is the fight of the century."

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