Via Sam Volz: Bob Arum is confident money will come from the Middle East to host the undisputed heavyweight boxing match between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury there instead of taking it to Wembley Stadium in London.
Until that money arrives, Arum remains open to his options, planning to use Wembley as plan B, which of course could pose problems, as Fury (33-0-1, 24 KO) will insist on the majority of the game’s revenue taking place at his home in England.
That probably won’t work for Usyk as he would probably be better off if the fight was held in Saudi. After all, both are negotiating separate deals, and the money may be better for him there than if he were stuck fighting in the UK in front of crowds of Fury fans, leaving him less green.
If Fury chooses to be stubborn, Usyk can move on and let the 6’9 boxer have to back up his harsh words about fighting. Joe Joycewhich he won’t do because it’s too risky and completely wrong for the aggressive fighting style that has become his trademark style as he gets older.
That style won’t work for Joyce because he’s physically stronger than Fury and will batter him if he tries to wrestle and lean on him.
What Fury is likely to do if the fight with Usyk is over is hold an exhibition match with former UFC fighter Francis Ngannou for some money over the summer, then try to negotiate a deal with Usyk, give him the same plan as before the battle. British rather than Saudi.
Arum waits for Saudi money
“When we see the money, where are we going? Now, if the money isn’t really there, which I don’t believe, I do believe it is, then we’ll make our own money at Wembley,” said Top Rank’s Bob Arum. talkSPORT Boxing about the fight between WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and IBF, WBA & WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk about the possibility that they will clash at Wembley without money from the Midwest.
“Looks like we’re going to make a deal in the Middle East where money is to fight,” said Arum.
“You’re saying Fury-Usyk is almost over, but is the final hurdle stopping us from watching the undisputed heavyweight title fight between Fury and Usyk right now?” Bernardo Osuna said to GAME +.
“This war is directed at Saudi Arabia. It could be heading to England now, which means less money for everyone, and Tyson Fury wants more money to fight Usyk no matter what he has said in the past. It’s not about the money, that he’s going to fight for free, but after all, it’s a paycheck,” said Mike Coppinger.
“They have to figure this out and it looks like it will head to Wembley Stadium in London at the end of April, which is a better location for the fight. You can get 90,000 to 100,000 packed in there. Tyson Fury is a big star, but they have to deal with money right now.
“They went to Usyk’s side to make some money out of it, and of course it didn’t work out,” Coppinger said.
Fury enjoys the fruits of his labor
“Look, Fury works on emotions. That’s what he does, guys; understand that,” said Tim Bradley. “He doesn’t miss boxing at the moment. He will push this fight if he misses boxing. I see, he just got into a fight [against 39-year-old over-the-hill journeyman Derek Chisora] not too long ago [on December 3rd in London on pay-per-view].
“This man is resting; he is chilling. He is enjoying the fruits of his hard work. He’s had a career that spanned 14 years, and he’s still moving on. He’s tired of getting up and running, trust me, but when he starts to miss the fight again, you’ll start to hear the noises from Tyson Fury, and the fight will eventually be over, “Bradley said.
“Yes, but the point here is that he has three obligations. Hrgovic, Dubois, and Joyce, and if this fight is not done next, the whole business may collapse,” Osuna said of Fury needing to take this fight to Usyk, or else he’ll have trouble fighting each of his obligatory challengers.
