Fury and Usyk 'in talks for heavyweight showdown in Saudi Arabia'

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk ‘are in talks to fight for the undisputed world heavyweight crown in Saudi Arabia in March’, with the Gypsy King set to get his shot at all four titles if he beats Derek Chisora again in December

  • Tyson Fury is due to fight Derek Chisora for the third time on December 3
  • Fury has already beaten Chisora twice in 2011 and 2014, and is a huge favourite 
  • His team are reportedly in talks to fight Oleksandr Usyk in March 2023
  • The two heavyweights are negotiating a fight to be held in Saudi Arabia
  • Saudi Arabia has been criticised for its poor human rights record 

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk remain in talks for an undisputed heavyweight showdown in early 2023 in Saudi Arabia, according to reports.

After Fury beat Dillian Whyte in April, and Usyk saw off Anthony Joshua for the second time four months later, it appeared that a clash between the pair could take place before the end of the year.

However, Usyk quickly made it clear that he wanted more time to prepare for that fight, and revealed he had no intention of returning to the ring until 2023. As a result, Fury has taken a stay-busy fight in the meantime, which will see him face Derek Chisora for the third time on December 3 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 

Tyson Fury is in talks with Oleksandr Usyk for an undisputed heavyweight clash in March 2023

If the fight goes ahead, it is expected to take place in Saudi Arabia, where Usyk (above) fought Anthony Joshua in August

The Gypsy King could be set for a quick turnaround, though, as it has been reported that his team are still speaking to Usyk’s camp about finally meeting in the ring.

‘I’m told there are still talks going on for Fury to fight Usyk in Saudi Arabia in March for all four belts,’ boxing reporter Mike Coppinger said on ‘Max on Boxing’ on ESPN on Monday.

If the Fury-Usyk fight goes ahead in Saudi Arabia, it will be the third major heavyweight clash to take place in the country, after Anthony Joshua’s rematches with Andy Ruiz Jr and Usyk were held there.

Fury has never fought in Saudi Arabia, but did appear on the WWE pay-per-view show ‘Crown Jewel’ in the country’s capital, Riyadh, in October 2019.

Saudi Arabia has been criticised for its poor human rights record, but promoters have not been deterred from putting on shows in the country, and that looks set to continue. 

Fury only fought once in 2020 and 2021, but his fight with Chisora will be his second of this year, and he is on course to get 2023 off to a flying start by facing Usyk, providing he gets past Chisora first.

Fury must first get past Derek Chisora for the third time when they fight on December 3

He has already beaten his domestic rival twice, out-pointing him in 2011, before forcing a stoppage three years later.

It appeared that Fury may opt for a different opponent for his December comeback when he entered into negotiations with Anthony Joshua last month.

However, talks broke down quickly, with both camps blaming each other for the fight not happening.

Fury was also linked with taking on German-based heavyweight Mahmoud Charr after he called out the Brit on several occasions on social media.

Charr, who has a 37-4 professional record, has only fought twice since November 2017, and did not manage to get his shot at Fury in the end.

This left Chisora to step in, despite losing three of his last four fights. Fury will enter the contest as the overwhelming favourite, and should he win once more, Usyk could be lying in wait as his next foe. 




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