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Topics: Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Boxing
Nasir Jabbar
Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk is OFF and won't be happening on April 29 at Wembley Stadium, according to the Ukrainian's manager.
A blockbuster undisputed clash between world heavyweight champions Fury and Usyk had been mooted for April 29 in London, England.
Both camps had been in negotiations over a bout pitting the WBC title holder and the WBA (super), IBF and WBO champion against each other.
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Fury proposed a 70-30 split, with Usyk agreeing to the offer as they went back-and-forth over a rematch clause, as the 'Gypsy King' all but confirmed the showdown after insisting he will go on a social media blackout.
However, Usyk's manager Egis Klimas has revealed that talks have collapsed, claiming his fighter 'was pushed for more' after he 'compromised' during discussions.
He told Steve Kim: "No matter how much Usyk compromised, he was pushed for more."
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Klimas added: "If this fight is going to happen, only April 29th. Or it's just going to be cancelled, and we'll go with the mandatory."
Usyk is now targeting a June/July return in a mandatory defence, potentially against WBA challenger Daniel Dubois.
Fury vs. Usyk joins a long list of big fights in boxing that has failed to materialise.
UFC president Dana White hit out at the sport as he slammed the inability to make the undisputed match.
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Asked about Fury vs. Usyk not being finalised during the UFC 286 post-fight press conference, he said: "Welcome to boxing boys!"
He added: "I mean, is it shocking? Yes! Is it shocking? No!
"It’s just, that is boxing. It’s the way that sport always seems to play out. The big fights that should happen never do, and when they do it’s always late.
"That’s the stuff that used to drive me crazy as a fan and it’s literally part of how I designed this company not to be."