Undisputed Heavyweight Championship Rescheduled: Fury vs. Usyk Set for May 18 in Riyadh
In a swift turnaround, the highly anticipated Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk undisputed heavyweight championship bout is back on the cards. Just 24 hours after the unfortunate postponement, fight fans can mark their calendars for May 18, as confirmed by Turki Alalashikh, chairman of General Authority and Entertainment in Saudi Arabia. The bout, originally scheduled for February 17 in Riyadh, was derailed by a cut sustained by Tyson Fury during a sparring session, leading to stitches. The setback disappointed fans worldwide, but the rescheduled date promises a showdown for the ages. Alalashikh addressed concerns by implementing a trap-door clause, offering both fighters a guaranteed ten million dollars each if either decides to withdraw from the bout. Additionally, he assured a significant bout for the fighter not involved in the rescheduled match on the same night, adding an intriguing element to the stakes. The 'Ring of Fire' show, set to be the first undisputed heavyweight championship clash of the 21st century, holds immense significance for both Fury and Usyk. Fury, the lineal, WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight champion, has been a dominant force, with his last title defense dating back to December 2022 against Derek Chisora. Usyk, having become a two-division champ in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua, is eager to solidify his status as the undisputed champion. The saga took a dramatic turn when Fury's injury led to discussions about a potential replacement challenger for Usyk, with Filip Hrgovic emerging as a leading candidate. However, the decision to cancel the February 17 event altogether paved the way for the rescheduled date. The upcoming clash represents the first attempt to crown an undisputed heavyweight champion since November 1999. Lennox Lewis achieved the feat by outpointing Evander Holyfield, ending a 25-year drought in undisputed champions in the heavyweight division. Alalashikh urged fighters not to shy away from this historic bout, emphasizing the availability and commitment from both sides. The world will be watching as May 18 approaches, with hopes that Fury and Usyk will finally settle the score and determine the undisputed heavyweight champion. #TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #UndisputedChampion #RingofFire
