28 April 2023 , 14:55
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Tyson Fury has been warned to not make the "biggest mistake" of his career by not fighting heavyweight rival Oleksandr Usyk.
The 'Gypsy King' was in talks to fight for the undisputed heavyweight world titles against Usyk after beating Derek Chisora in December, with the event having been set to take place this weekend. However talks collapsed after Fury made several public demands on social media including a 70/30 purse split, which saw the Ukrainian step away from the negotiating table.
Fury is now expected to instead return on July 22 with WBC contender Andy Ruiz Jr in line to challenge for the Briton's title. But Usyk's promoter Alex Krassyuk believes the heavyweight pair should rekindle negotiations later this year if any new offer can be tabled.
He told BT Sport: "We know that Tyson Fury is a complex personality and it’s probably not a surprise for anyone, and we can see it in his behaviour within the last probably seven or ten years. Yes, he is the champion. Yes, he has the right to do things that he wants to do. But at the end of the day, he is a professional boxer, and his main assignment is to perform for the boxing fans.
"That is why I think if this fight does not take place, that would be one of the biggest mistakes that Tyson Fury could ever make in a professional boxing career. "I would love to see it as a boxing fan. As Usyk’s promoter, I would love to make it happen. As just a normal Ukrainian I would love my compatriot to become the undisputed champion in the second weight division. From our side, it’s only plus, plus, plus."
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Fury was left frustrated after the fight collapsed and heaped blame on his rival in a furious rant on social media. It now appears Usyk will first step into the ring with WBA mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois before any fresh negotiations over a shot at all the marbles can recommence potentially for December.
Tyson Fury's fight with Oleksandr Usyk collapsed (Top Rank via Getty Images)Who wins if the pair do fight - Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk? Let us know in the comments section below
New rumours have surfaced in recent weeks that the Middle East are eyeing a heavyweight tournament which would see a lucrative offer made for Fury to finally do battle with Usyk. However the undefeated star also denied the links insisting that no contact has been established over a future clash.
However ex-world champion Johnny Nelson believes fans are starting to turn on Fury after his recent cancellations and are placing the blame on his shoulders. He told Boxing News+: “Unfortunately I think that the public are now seeing through the ‘BS’ because I can’t think of any top heavyweight fighter, where so many fights have fallen by the way side, for one reason or another. Through negotiations or whatever it is. I think Tyson Fury will probably be his own worst enemy."