Usyk vs. Fury: what you need to know about the main boxing fight of 2024

For the first time in 25 years, Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) and British Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) will determine the absolute world heavyweight champion. The fight, which is undoubtedly considered the most anticipated of the year, could have taken place back in April 2023, but the parties failed to agree on the terms of the contract.

USYK VS. FURY: BACKGROUND

Last spring, a real series unfolded around the organization of the fight. Usyk even agreed to the distribution of fees in the ratio of 70% to 30% in favor of the British. However, in the end, the British holder of the World Boxing Council (WBC) belt did not agree to enter the ring.

The signing of the agreement for the historic confrontation was announced on November 16, 2023. The athletes signed the contract, which set February 17 as the date of the fight. The organizers of the grand show were the Saudi authorities, who assumed financial obligations to pay the fees to the rivals.

In London, the heavyweights held press conferences and clashed in a duel of wills, during which Tyson tried to start a fight.

But 2.5 weeks before the scheduled date, it became known that Fury had suffered a cut above his right eye during a sparring session. The Gypsy King faced a similar injury in the same place in his fight against Otto Wallin (26-2-0-1, 14 KOs) in August 2019, when doctors almost took Tyson out of the fight.

USIK - FURY: NEW DATE

Immediately after the British informed the fans, Usyk's team, and the organizers in Saudi Arabia that the fight would not take place, the media insisted that Ukrainian would still take part in the fight. Journalists even named the opponent - Croatian Filip Hrgovic (17-0, 14 KOs).

However, Riyadh decided to completely cancel the February show, which, by the way, was supposed to feature the return of the famous Russian ex-champion, and announced that the boxers would now fight on May 18. It is also known that a mandatory rematch between the Ukrainian and the Briton is planned.

USYK VS: FEES AND FINES

After the contract was re-signed for a new date, the agreement included a clause about a 10-million dollar fine for the rivals in case one of them refused to fight. Boxers can earn fantastic money.

Our compatriot will receive a check for 27 million pounds ($34 million) for the fight with Fury. This is slightly less than Oleksandr's record earnings, which he received for his rematch with Anthony Joshua (27-3, 24 KOs).

At the same time, Tyson's account will be replenished by an impressive 55 million pounds (69 million dollars). This fee will be the highest in his career for the Gypsy King.

USYK VS: UKRAINIAN DEMANDS

Oleksandr, having agreed to postpone his return to the ring for another three months, put forward two conditions: in addition to a fine of 10 million, the Ukrainian also demanded the development of a plan B in case Fury refused to fight. The Saudis agreed with Usyk's opinion.

Moreover, former world champion Anthony Joshua has already expressed his readiness to replace Tyson and fight our champion for the third time.

USIK - FURY: WHERE TO WATCH

In Ukraine, the fight will be available on the Megogo video service. The broadcast will also be available on the DAZN platform. The cost of the show will be announced later.

USYK VS FURY: FIGHT FORECAST

From the very beginning, bookmakers considered the Briton a clear favorite. He was given almost a 75% probability of winning, but the situation has changed dramatically over time. Currently, analysts no longer see the Gypsy King as the obvious winner of the upcoming fight.

You can bet on Fury's final victory at odds of 1.80. Usyk's triumph is estimated at 2.00. The odds for a draw reach 17.00.

USYK - FURY: WHAT THE BOXERS SAID

Oleksandr Usyk, WBA, WBO, IBF champion:

- I would like to become an absolute world champion. It's a great achievement that means a lot to me because it's not easy to win this title. I fight for my legacy, not for money. But I don't think about Tyson Fury too much. I don't pay attention to how he acts and what he does. Most of his opponents fell for it, but I didn't.

Tyson Fury, WBC champion:

- I'm going to make a lot of money. I said that recently. I said that I wanted to be the biggest scoundrel on the planet and I wanted to be number one on the Forbes list. These are my goals, and I want to make a movie about myself. It's in the works. I hear people say that I'm going to end my career or I'm going to do this. I'm not going to end my career. I will have two fights with Usyk - twice for the title of absolute world champion. Then I will fight Joshua. Once or twice, if he wants a rematch after I beat him. And then I'll have a rematch with Ngannou.