A historic fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will hope to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999 early next year.
The rival stars have finally agreed to meet in the ring after months of boxing’s dream matchup looking like it might never happen.
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WBC champion Fury will look to wrestle the WBA, WBO and IBF titles away from Usyk to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since British compatriot Lennox Lewis over two decades ago.
After months of failed negotiations between the camps earlier this year, Usyk instead beat Daniel Dubois while Fury opted for a crossover bout against Francis Ngannou.
That looked to be the final nail in the coffin for the pair facing off but, much to the delight of boxing fans around the world, Fury and Usyk will now look to top the 1974 Rumble in the Jungle as boxing’s biggest ever event.
Ahead of their clash, Usyk watched Fury get knocked down by Ngannou before taking a controversial split decision win over the MMA star.
They then met in the ring to confirm they will fight each other next.
Fury vs Usyk: Date and how to follow
This undisputed heavyweight clash was being eyed for Saturday, December 23.
December 30 was also being considered, but after Fury’s tough fight against Ngannou, talkSPORT sources understand a new date of February 17, 2024 is being targeted.
The huge bout will be held at the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Full confirmation, start times and additional details are expected to be announced in due course.
The event will be broadcast live on TNT Sports Box Office – the new name for BT Sport – but pricing is yet to be revealed.
talkSPORT will have updates throughout fight week and talkSPORT.com will be running a live blog of all the action as well.
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Fury vs Usyk: Undercard
More to follow…
- MAIN EVENT: Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk – for undisputed WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles
Fury vs Usyk: What has been said?
After a much tougher fight than anticipated against Ngannou, Fury wouldn’t have been ready for December.
And when asked about this undisputed title fight, Fury didn’t want to talk about it.
He said: “They’ll sort it out when they sort it out.
“Until that day, don’t bother me with boxing.
“I’m going home, I’m going to spend some time with my kids.
“I’ve been away for 12 weeks. I’ve got a newborn baby I’ve seen three times.
“He’s six weeks old. I’ve done my job and been paid, happy days.”
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The delay is likely to help Usyk, who recently hinted he wouldn’t be ready in time for a fight in December.
The Ukrainian said on his YouTube channel: “I can’t say that everything’s OK, but I’m fine.
“Some wounds, old injuries need to be healed. Everything’s under control.
“I do my training sessions everyday, but I need 14 weeks for my camp. It would be enough time for me.
“The first weeks I’m doing my work that helps me to get ready for the training camp. Then I’m working hard for the next 12 weeks.”
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