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Oleksandr Usyk has warned Tyson Fury he cannot delay their showdown for the undisputed heavyweight title in December after the \u201cGypsy King\u2019s\u201d controversial victory over MMA star Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night. Fury was the overwhelming favourite against the Cameroonian on his boxing debut in a money-spinning crossover bout, but it was a humbling night for the Englishman despite getting the win.<\/p>\n
Fury was knocked down by the heavy-handed Ngannou in the third round, and many viewers believed the former UFC heavyweight king deserved to get the nod from the judges. However, Fury\u2019s unbeaten record was preserved by a narrow split-decision win over 10 rounds.<\/p>\n
Before the fight, WBC champion Fury confirmed a fight with Ukrainian WBO, WBA and IBF ruler Usyk had been agreed to take place in Saudi Arabia on Dec. 23. But the clash with Ngannou proved to be much more taxing than expected, with Fury suffering a cut above the eye and he lacked his usual vigour in the ring, suggesting he was underprepared after a half-hearted training camp.<\/p>\n
That led Fury\u2019s promoter Frank Warren to suggest in the aftermath of Saturday\u2019s event that Fury might not be fit and available to meet his obligations on Dec. 23. However, Usyk, 36, has issued a blunt response to suggestions that 35-year-old Fury wants more time to prepare.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has to take place on the 23rd of December, in Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia,\u201d Usyk told Boxing News. \u201cWe have it in contract, on paper. It did disturb me [watching Fury vs. Ngannou]. It did disturb me, I was worried a lot. [But] I would give a maximum of three rounds to Ngannou. Frank Warren used to talk a lot of things, blaming me for something that never happened. And, you know what? We have a contract and the contract says that the fight has to take place on Dec. 23, no matter what.\u201d<\/p>\n
Usyk\u2019s words were echoed by his promoter, Alex Krassyuk. He added: \u201cIn his mind, he can [delay the fight], but legally he\u2019s obliged to fight Oleksandr on the 23rd. He will suffer legal consequences. If we are responsible \u2013 by \u2018we\u2019 I mean our team and Fury\u2019s team \u2013 if we are responsible people and we keep our word, and we keep what we have signed on paper, we have to comply with what is on paper.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe world wants to see the undisputed heavyweight championship, not just the clash between Tyson and Usyk. They want to see the fight between Tyson and Usyk for the undisputed [title]. That\u2019s what has to happen on the 23rd.<\/p>\n