Oleksandr Usyk has 'secret clause' in Tyson Fury contract which could have huge impact on heavyweight division
Oleksandr Usyk included a 'secret clause' in the Tyson Fury fight contract, which could shake up the heavyweight division.
The unbeaten world champions were set to meet in an undisputed title clash on February 17.
However, Fury pulled out of the fight earlier this month after suffering a horrific cut during sparring.
A new date of May 18 has since been confirmed. Per The Sun, both men have decided to forfeit a whopping £10 million if they withdraw.
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According to Usyk's trainer, Sergey Lapin, the reigning WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion has protected himself even further.
Usyk will fight on May 18 even if Fury pulls out of their fight, with Filip Hrgovic waiting in case the Gypsy King pulls out again.
He explained to Fruity Slots: "I hope Usyk will get the chance to settle the score with Fury on May 18.
"But if he continues to run, then we have a clause in the agreement to replace Fury with Filip Hrgovic.
"Hrgovic is the backup opponent, so the show will go on regardless of whether he shows up, this was also confirmed by His Excellency Turki Al Sheikh."
Croatian fighter Hrgovic is the number nine heavyweight in the world and is ready to make the step up.
An accidental elbow from Agron Smakici was enough to force Fury out of the biggest fight in modern boxing history.
Lapin believes Usyk will 'expose' Fury when they finally face off in Saudi Arabia.
The WBC heavyweight champion looked less than convincing in his last fight, a split decision win over former UFC star Francis Ngannou.
Lapin continued: "Let's say he did get cut - through a head guard and with large training gloves - can you imagine what will happen to his head when he receives a bomb from the Usyk in a ten-ounce glove?
"If Fury finally dares to enter the ring on May 18, then it will be a terrible dream for him, he has never boxed with a boxer of this level in his life.
"[Francis] Ngannou exposed Fury for what he is, a fighter with too many miles on the clock, a fighter who has had too many wars.
"And, a fighter who is now in rapid decline to the point he's been badly troubled by sparring partners."
Topics: Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk
Daniel Marland