Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk 'could call fight off' as boxing star fears crushing blow to fans

Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk 'could call fight off' as boxing star fears crushing blow to fans

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 08/01/2024

- 09:48

Updated: 08/01/2024

- 09:49

The duo are due to face off next month

Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk could call of their mega boxing showdown if they 'are not themselves', Zhilei Zhang believes.

The duo are currently training for their lucrative showdown in Saudi Arabia, with that contest due to take place on February 17.


Fury appears to be taking the battle seriously, having attracted criticism for his narrow victory over Francis Ngannou at the end of October.

Both the Briton and Usyk have insisted the fight will go ahead as planned.

Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are currently due to fight next month in Saudi Arabia

PA

But Zhang, who is in line to face Usyk at a later date, is concerned it won't take place.

"I don’t know, anything can happen and my experience in the business tells me that until you hear the opening bell, anything is possible," he told Online Betting UK.

"If someone feels like they are not themselves then they could call the fight off.

"I’m unsure if it happens."

Zhang isn't alone in expressing concerns about the fight.

Welterweight champion Shawn Porter said last week that he, like Zhang, thinks a postponement or even a cancellation is possible.

“What we know about Tyson Fury is he’s a showman,” Porter said.

“What we know about Tyson Fury is he likes things to be his way or no way.

“Me personally I don’t feel like this is the kind of energy he (Fury) wants to exert anymore in the boxing ring, which is why he went after Francis Ngannou…those are the kind of fights he’s looking for, things that are going to give him the money, and the recognition, and the nights that he won’t have to trade hard for.”

And Carl Froch said before Christmas that he was confident a delay would take place due to Fury wanting to enjoy himself over the festive period.

“Listen, Tyson’s got to get through Christmas and New Year, not relax, not have a drink, not overeat," said the 46-year-old.

“It’s going to be a tough one.

"He’s got a wonderful family, his wife and seven children, so he’ll want to relax and have a good time.

“Is he going to want to be training over Christmas and New Year which he’s going to have to do if he’s ready for the February event?

"I’m not sure, I think the fight will be pushed back to March.

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Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury is confident of beating Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia next month

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"You heard it here first.”

Fury is, however, confident of reigning supreme.

Many have scrutinised the 36-year-old after his poor performance against Ngannou nearly three months ago.

And he expects a public backlash when he 'splatters' Usyk in Riyadh.

"I'll tell you now, what people are going to say when I splatter Usyk," he said, per Saddoboxing.

Oleksandr usyk

Tyson Fury is taking his fight with Oleksandr Usyk seriously with the Briton working hard in the gym

PA

"'He was too small, it was a mismatch, he was never any good for Tyson, it was a mismatch'.

"Chisora I thought beat Usyk anyway."

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