SHOW US THE MONEY
Warren tells Saudis to stump up enough cash to make Fury v Usyk happen... and they’re talking serious dosh!
TYSON FURY’S promoter Frank Warren has told the Saudis to show them the money.
Warren is in talks to stage Fury’s clash with Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed world heavyweight title in Riyadh and he says they are going to have to pay big.
The Saudi Sports Ministry paid £66million for Usyk’s (right) win over Anthony Joshua in Jeddah and Warren says this fight is much bigger.
“We’ve had preliminary discussions a couple of months ago and the challenge is going to be meeting the financial expectations of both guys,” he said.
“It’s going to be all about money. It’s going to be about making it worthwhile for the guys. They’ve seen the money offered to golfers and so forth. This is not golf, this is much more dangerous and this is a unique sporting event, it’s sporting history.
“This is the ultimate prize in boxing, the undisputed heavyweight championship being fought for.”
Warren has told the Saudis they are buying history because all four major heavyweight belts will be contested by two undefeated world champions for the first time. “It has to be much bigger because you’ve got two undefeated fighters and the first time, the four belts will be on the line,” said the Queensberry Promotions chief. “It’s a unique situation and what adds to that is that they are both undefeated, which is quite unusual.
“And they’re undefeated guys who’ve been around a long time, they’re in their 30s.” December 17, the day before the World Cup final in Qatar, is the mooted date for the showdown outdoors in Riyadh and Warren (left, with Fury) says that Saturday is possible.
“Tyson trains hard all the time,” said the Hall of Fame promoter. “He could be ready to fight in 10 weeks, there’s no doubt about that.
“Usyk is going to need a break now, so come winter, I don’t think that would be a problem at all.”
Warren would like to sign a two-fight deal with Usyk’s team to allow for a rematch in the UK next summer and says Saudi is the most attractive option for the first contest.