Heavyweight bout between Usyk, Fury could be in jeopardy

The proposed fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk to become the first undisputed world heavyweight champion since 2000 is on shaky ground, with the boxers seemingly unable to agree to rematch terms.

Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, told British broadcaster TALKSPORT on Wednesday his fighter no longer wants to negotiate because his rival was “putting so many obstacles in front of making the deal.”

Frank Warren, Fury’s British promoter, responded by saying the breakdown in talks has happened because of a dispute over the split of earnings from a rematch. Warren said he hopes negotiations can resume.

The last heavyweight to be the undisputed world champion was Lennox Lewis in 1999-2000.

Usyk, the WBA, WBO and IBF champion, went on social media last week to accept Fury’s terms for a proposed April 29 fight in London, notably a 70-30 split of earnings from the bout in favor of Fury, the WBC titleholder.

They were given a deadline of April 1 by the WBA to officially agree to a deal, otherwise Usyk would be ordered to undertake a mandatory title defense.

“There was a feeling that after Usyk accepted 70-30, Tyson Fury started to think he can put a saddle on his neck and start riding Usyk as much as he can. It is not right,”krassyuk told British broadcaster TALKSPORT.

Fury hasn’t wanted a rematch to be included in the deal, but Warren said he has convinced his fighter to change his mind.“we’ve got to a situation about how is the rematch going to work, how is it going to be split, the money for the winner and the loser,” he said.