Organizers announced on Thursday that the fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world would take place in Riyadh on February 17.
Fury of Great Britain is the reigning world champion in the WBC, while Usyk of Ukraine has the titles in the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO. Both of them are undefeated to this point.
Contracts were signed in September for a projected date of December 23, but that date was never finalized. It was moved when Fury came dangerously close to losing to Francis Ngannou, a former champion of the UFC, in a non-title battle in Saudi Arabia on October 28.
Lennox Lewis of Great Britain was the heavyweight division’s most recent uncontested world champion 1999. However, this time around, for the first time, four belts are up for grabs.
Following the completion of the announcement, a heated argument broke out between the boxers as they were participating in a press conference, ultimately leading to their parting ways.
“You’re welcome to be sharing a ring with the future undisputed heavyweight champion—me,” the 35-year-old Fury declared to his opponent. “I’m going to knock you out.”
“You are about to be shattered into a million pieces, and you are well aware. You are going up against the greatest heavyweight out of the United Kingdom.”
Usyk, who is 36 years old, stated that he ignored Tyson Fury’s statement since he was focused on the fight.
“When the Lord gives me Tyson in my hands, I will do my job,” according to him.
After the match, Usyk shared his thoughts, saying that he viewed it as an opportunity to “give back to all those who supported me.”
“It’s a big opportunity, undisputed, for my family, country, and the people who now defend my country,” added the president.
