Topics: Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Boxing
Oleksandr Usyk has responded to Tyson Fury's latest contract demands, giving him an ultimatum over a proposed undisputed showdown.
WBC title holder Fury and Usyk, who holds the WBA (super), IBF and WBO belts, have been in talks about an undisputed heavyweight clash at Wembley Stadium in April.
But discussions have dragged on with both camps going back-and-forth over contract demands.
The Ukrainian accepted Fury's 70-30 offer if he pledged £1 million to charity.
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However, the self-proclaimed 'Gypsy King' has since appeared to reject that proposal, having named new terms, which didn't go down well among boxing fans on social media.
Usyk has now fired back at Fury, telling him to either sign the contract to fight him or vacate the iconic green and gold championship.
Speaking in a video shared online, he exclaimed: "Stop whining and ducking, be a man. Ink the contact or vacate the belt."
Usyk's manager Alex Krassyuk has also hit out at the unbeaten British fighter, claiming his 'credibility is shot to pieces' over a reluctance to sign a deal.
"His credibility is shot to pieces. The man is trying to escape. I'm really sorry for Tyson's fans. It's a shame for a fighter to behave like that. It's not about money and not about boxing. It's about fear," he said.
"He was not in training camp. We saw his theatrical performance - pretending jogging and pretending [sparring Joseph Parker]. He is not prepared, he is scared to fight. We don't trust him, we don't believe him."
On Fury demanding no rematch clause, Krassyuk added: "When we started negotiations, Fury's side were first to ask for the rematch clause and we supported this... I think whatever we accept from Fury, it will not leave us with a fight."
The targeted date of April 29 is swiftly approaching and it seems both teams remain far apart on agreeing terms on a blockbuster bout.
Will Fury vs. Usyk get over the line? Stay tuned to find out.
