After numerous frustrating rounds of unsuccessful negotiations spanning the past year, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have, at long last, inked a deal to face off in a showdown to determine the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Fury, the undefeated heavyweight champion, and Usyk, the Ukrainian champion, are slated to lock horns in Saudi Arabia by the year's end, as confirmed by the UK promoters representing the WBC champion.
This announcement arrives on the heels of protracted talks between Fury and Usyk that were initially anticipated to resolve the issue of undisputed status but had hit a deadlock earlier in the year.
As a result of the impasse, Usyk took on his mandatory challenger, Daniel Dubois, in Poland last month, emerging victorious in a contentious bout that ended in the ninth round due to stoppage. Meanwhile, Fury's last appearance in the ring dates back to December, when he engaged in a trilogy rematch against Derek Chisora. Subsequently, he has arranged a clash with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, scheduled for October 28 and set to be broadcast live on TNT Sports pay-per-view.
It's worth noting that Fury will not be putting his WBC title on the line against Ngannou, eliminating the risk of losing the belt even in the event of defeat.
Saudi Arabia has become a prominent host for major boxing events in recent years, including Anthony Joshua's rematch against Usyk in August and Joshua's rematch against Andy Ruiz.
Usyk currently holds the WBA, WBO, and IBF championship belts, making this forthcoming bout the ultimate showdown to determine the world's preeminent heavyweight boxer.
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