Usyk Promoter Doubts Fury Withdrawal, Points to Added Pressure
As the May 18 clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight championship looms, doubts surrounding Fury's participation persist. Usyk's promoter, expressing skepticism due to Fury's track record, acknowledges the added pressure on the WBC titlist to show up for the bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The initial February 17 date had to be rescheduled after Fury suffered a cut in a sparring session. Many, including Usyk's promoter, Alex Krassyuk, question the nature of Fury's injury given his history of withdrawals from high-profile fights. Despite the skepticism, Krassyuk admits it would be a substantial surprise if Fury pulls out again.
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The promoter points to the financial stakes, with Fury obligated to pay $10 million to Usyk in case of withdrawal—an arrangement orchestrated by Saudi advisor Turki Alalshikh, a key figure in the surge of high-profile boxing events in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Fury faces the pressure of upholding his reputation, defended by Alalshikh against detractors who claim the injury is self-induced.
In an interview with SecondsOut, Krassyuk noted, "This time it would be definitely positive (surprise), something between 3 and 4 (on a scale of 1-10). Because now he’s under pressure."
As the boxing world watches the countdown to the anticipated showdown, the narrative is not just about physical preparedness but also about whether Tyson Fury will meet the expectations and obligations set for the undisputed heavyweight championship.
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