05 February 2024 , 16:00
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Oleksandr Usyk has been guaranteed two more big fights in Saudi Arabia after his undisputed clash with Tyson Fury.
The Ukrainian was scheduled to face fellow heavyweight champion Fury for the undisputed world titles next weekend, but the Brit pulled out of the fight on just over two weeks' notice after being cut in sparring. Their clash has now been rescheduled for May 18 although some fans worry Fury will need more time to recover from his injury.
Saudi royal advisor Turki Alalshikh sat alongside Fury in a tense interview on The MMA Hour with Usyk and his manager Egis Klimas to discuss the postponement and rescheduling of the fight. "I want to say that we will guarantee for Usyk and he has more word, for two more big fights," Alalshikh said. Usyk replied by simply stating: “I will do training."
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It's unclear if the first of the two big fights Usyk has been promised is his mandatory rematch with Fury. Alalshikh has also promised to fine Fury or Usyk a massive £10million of their own money if they pull out of the May 18 date. "I’ve guaranteed both fighters 10 million if someone has escaped the fight," he added.
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"I also guarantee another big fight on the same night. I will make fans around the world know if someone is scared for this fight. If Usyk is scared I will call for Joshua. If Tyson is scared, I will call for another fighter that Usyk wants. I don’t want them to fight in front of the fans but on the 18th May we will have an answer."
Usyk's manager Klimas stood by comments he made about Fury being a "coward" for pulling out of the fight. Fury questioned why Klimas played down his accomplishments as a two-time undefeated world champion and the second-longest reigning lineal champion in history.
"Egis, never call me coward again. I’ve had 35 professional fights and have been boxing 18 years of my life. I've climbed off the canvas 10 times from the biggest punchers in history to win. Never a coward, never backed down from any man in my life. If any man calls my wife a b**** I will take his f****ng teeth out," he said.