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Undisputed Showdown in Peril: Fury vs. Usyk Clash on Thin Ice as Promoter Reveals Replacement Plan

The highly anticipated heavyweight title unification bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, set to crown an undisputed champion, is reportedly facing uncertainty. According to insiders, complications have emerged in the negotiation process, casting doubt on whether the fight will take place as planned.

Promoter Frank Warren, who represents Tyson Fury, has hinted that while both camps are still eager to make the fight happen, logistical issues and potential disagreements over financial terms may derail the event. If the fight between Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion, and Usyk, the holder of the WBA, WBO, and IBF belts, does not materialize, Warren has confirmed that a contingency plan is in place.

A New Obstacle in the Road

The Fury vs. Usyk bout, originally targeted for early 2024, is the most significant fight in the heavyweight division in years. With both men holding undefeated records and world titles, it promises to produce the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000. The fight would have historical implications and has garnered massive interest globally.

However, despite months of negotiations, conflicting schedules, contractual disagreements, and broadcasting rights have delayed a formal announcement. While both Fury and Usyk’s camps have publicly stated their willingness to make the fight, Warren’s latest comments suggest a growing concern.

“We’ve been working very hard to make the undisputed fight happen,” Warren said in a recent interview. “But there are always variables that can come into play, and if it doesn’t happen, we have a Plan B.”

Warren’s Backup Plan: Fury vs. Joshua?

Warren refused to divulge many details about the replacement plan but hinted that Fury could end up facing a different opponent if negotiations with Usyk fall through. One of the names speculated as a potential opponent is Anthony Joshua, the former heavyweight champion.

Joshua, who has been working his way back into title contention after back-to-back losses to Usyk, remains one of the biggest draws in boxing. A Fury-Joshua bout, despite not being for the undisputed title, would still be a massive event in the UK and across the globe.

“Tyson is ready to fight anyone. We’ve had discussions about other options, and if Usyk doesn’t come to the table, we’ll move forward with something else,” Warren said. “A fight with Joshua is always a possibility. Fans would love to see that.”

Usyk’s Side: What’s Holding It Up?

Oleksandr Usyk’s camp, led by his manager Egis Klimas, has maintained a firm stance that they want the undisputed fight next. After Usyk’s recent title defense against Daniel Dubois, in which Usyk retained his belts despite some controversy over a low blow, the Ukrainian champion made it clear that Fury is his priority.

“We want the fight; we’ve always wanted it,” Klimas told reporters. “But it takes two sides to come to an agreement. Usyk is ready, but we need a fair deal.”

Klimas also acknowledged the difficulties in putting together such a massive fight, especially with both fighters’ respective television deals and sponsors needing to align.

Time Running Out?

With Fury set to take on former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in an exhibition-style bout in Saudi Arabia on October 28, the window to secure the Usyk fight in early 2024 is closing. If the two sides cannot reach an agreement soon, Fury may pivot to a different opponent while Usyk could be forced to defend his belts against another mandatory challenger.

Despite the looming uncertainty, both sides continue to express optimism. However, Warren’s revelation of a replacement plan signals that the sport’s most awaited fight might not be as close as fans had hoped.

What’s Next for the Heavyweight Division?

Boxing insiders will be watching closely over the next few weeks as negotiations continue. The heavyweight division, historically known for its larger-than-life personalities and iconic matchups, could be on the cusp of either a historic clash or another disappointing detour.

As the potential Fury vs. Usyk showdown hangs in the balance, boxing fans remain hopeful that the two champions can find common ground. If not, the sport may turn to Plan B—whatever that may entail—for the next big heavyweight spectacle.