TYSON FURY could fight Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight crown in Saudi Arabia in March, Bob Arum has revealed.
A Fury Usyk showdown for all belts appeared to be put on hold as Anthony Joshua prepared for the rematch against the Ukrainian.
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Tyson Fury has stated that he hopes to face Oleksandr Usyk nextPhoto credit: Rex
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Anthony Joshua and Usyk could face each other before an undisputed fightPhoto credit: Getty
Cruiserweight King Usyk defeated AJ unanimously at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September to win the IBF, WBA and WBO slings.
Immediately after the fight, both Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn were firmly convinced that they wanted to face Usyk again immediately.
But in a shocking turn of events, Hearn has now revealed that Joshua may be willing to receive a transfer fee to allow Fury and Usyk to compete for the undisputed championship.
And Fury’s promoter Arum has now informed the Rich Eisen Show that Saudi Arabia will stage Fury against Usyk in March.
Joshua has given the couple hope that they can convince him to step aside with an interview he did last month.
The two-time heavyweight champion debated the idea of stepping aside, saying, “I think people know not to approach me with this junk. People know they don’t address me with that cop.
“It may have come to my team, but I think they know not to bring it to me right now.
“This phase of my career is not about the money, it’s about respect. You have to see what I want from this game – number one is respect, you don’t have to like me but you will respect” me.
“The second is going down as a relapse fighter, someone who was willing to fight the best in their division so people would know I am a real fighter when I walk the streets with my son, cousin, and nephew .
He further admitted, “I don’t know if this is in line with the moral point of view … but I also want to be known as one of the smartest business people.
“I want to make the smart decisions and if the money is right we’d have to look at it, but respect is worth more than money.
“Will I put the money aside? If it’s a smart business move … will it damage my reputation and respect?
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“Will I still fight the best fighters? These are the three things that I have to consider. “
And Hearn confirmed earlier this week that Fury’s team had contacted him about a potential deal.
If Joshua agrees to step aside, he’ll likely only do so with the guarantee that he can go up against the winner.
