Tyson Fury set to be left with egg on his face as boxing announcement looms
Boxing news: Tyson Fury was full of confident fighting talk before his difficult win over Francis Ngannou
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Prior to his fight with Francis Ngannou, Tyson Fury confidently said his fight with Oleksandr Usyk on December 23 would go ahead.
However, with that showdown set to be announced for February 2024 instead, the Gypsy King is facing a humiliating climbdown.
Fury was bullish prior to his win with Ngannou and insisted the fight would happen on the original date.
"We've signed the contracts," the 35-year-old told Sky Sports.
Boxing news: Tyson Fury's upcoming fight with Oleksandr Usyk is set to be pushed back
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"December 23, that's out there isn't it? It's only eight weeks away from Saturday. Why not?
"I've not even had a fight this year so get two in before the end of the year would be fantastic. Double payday.
"There'll be a nice big turkey in the Fury household this Christmas.
"If it happens December 23, I'll be playing that song, Driving Home For Christmas, I won't land back in the UK till Christmas Eve, late Christmas Eve.
"And if we get a delay I'll be spending Christmas with the reindeers in the airport!"
Fury even threatened to sue Usyk if the date was changed.
“Usyk’s a sausage," he said.
“I expect it to be taking place in December, that’s what I’ve been told, so I’ve got no reason to disbelieve it.
"Usyk has to fight me in December, doesn’t have a choice.
"He signed the contract, so if he doesn’t, he’s breached contract and he gets sued.
"So he doesn’t really have a choice.”
Fury appeared to be confident that he'd breeze past Ngannou.
With his opponent making his boxing debut, the Gypsy King was the overwhelming favourite to reign supreme and come out on top.
What he didn't bank on, however, was Ngannou being so tough to overcome.
Fury was knocked down in round three of their fight in Saudi Arabia at the end of October, with the likes of Usyk, Cristiano Ronaldo and Conor McGregor all stunned.
He was able to win via split decision but many, including Ngannou, are unhappy with that result.
And Fury has now been given the green light to push the fight back.
Usyk was ready to go in December. However, the Ukrainian only wants to fight the very best version of the Brit - rather than the one that appeared against Ngannou.
The 35-year-old's promoter, Alex Krassyuk, has confirmed as much.
Speaking to Boxing News, he stated: "In the contract, it was December 23, but it’s a matter of common sense and common reason.
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Boxing news: Tyson Fury was unconvincing during his recent victory over Francis Ngannou
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"If a fighter isn’t ready to go, you cannot make him.
“We would rather stay flexible, stay relaxed.
"We have settled already on the new date [in February] and next week, we’re going to announce it; hopefully, of course."
He added: “The only man who doesn’t trust Tyson Fury is Oleksandr Usyk because he still thinks Tyson Fury was playing a game [in his fight with Ngannou].
“He thinks Tyson Fury was not serious.
Boxing news: Oleksandr Fury has shown class by agreeing to Tyson Fury delay - despite his opponent previously firing shots
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"When he steps foot into the ring with Oleksandr Usyk, he will be at his best.”
Fury deserves immense credit for wanting the original fight with Usyk to take place next month.
However, he's now been brought crashing back down to earth.
Usyk didn't have to delay the fight. He could have gone back at Fury, insisting it takes place on the original date.
Instead, he's shown his opponent mercy. Whether that comes back to bite him, however, remains to be seen.