Boxing fans around the have been eagerly awaiting the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight with all four heavyweight belts on the line for the undisputed crown. However, IBF has now said Usyk will meet mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic.
As a result, the undisputed Fury vs. Usyk fight wouldn’t happen and the two would have to wait even longer to meet. According to reports, Usyk and “The Gypsy King” were in negotiations to fight in February or March 2023.
Although Usyk’s team had the option of requesting a delay from the IBF so that the Ukrainian could face Fury first, Hrgovic’s co-promoter Eddie Hearn asked for immediate scholarship offers. With that now in Usyk’s way, it’s difficult for the Ukrainian to face Fury ahead of the obligatory Hrgovic.
“Immediate purse bids means you cannot get an exception [for undisputed]. Only way is if Hrgovic is willing to give you an exception. He wants to fight for the world title,” said Hearn, as per Michael Benson.
As soon as the news became public, the boxing world took to Twitter and shared their thoughts on it. Does Eddie Hearn deliberately cross paths with Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk? After fighting Dillian Whyte on April 23, “The Gypsy King” retired from professional boxing. After Oleksandr Usyk defeated Anthony Joshua for the second time, Fury announced his return to the ring.
Now that Fury was returning to boxing, boxing fans were eager to see a matchup between Fury and Usyk. Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk would be one of the greatest fights in heavyweight boxing history.
With now Hrgovic announced as a mandatory fight, fans have taken to Twitter to express their frustration over it. Michael Benson went public with the news.
One user said: Eddie has Hrgovic and neither Usyk or Fury, what do you want him to do? He’s got to represent the interests of his client, Hrgovic, and Hrgovic wants a world title shot. Clearly by that statement, they’re willing to look at step-a-side too.”
Eddie has Hrgovic and neither Usyk or Fury, what do you want him to do? He's got to represent the interests of his client, Hrgovic, and Hrgovic wants a world title shot.
Clearly by that statement, they're willing to look at step-a-side too.
— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) November 13, 2022
“Obviously trying to get Usyk to vacate so Joshua can get the IBF back,” added another.
Obviously trying to get Usyk to vacate so Joshua can get the IBF back
— Jack Bailey (@JackBailey2) November 13, 2022
“Disgraceful this is why UFC is taking over. Hearn is a hypocrite.” another user commented.
You fool how’s this his fault 😭🤣
— steve (@mufc7_united) November 13, 2022
“It’s fine, fury will retire again after beating Chisora, Usyk takes this fight and wins. They meet end of summer next year after another return by fury,” commented another.
It's fine, fury will retire again after beating Chisora, Usyk takes this fight and wins. They meet end of summer next year after another return by fury.
— Shaun (@pompeyshaun1986) November 13, 2022
