“Everything just slowed down.” The side of Saudi Arabia about the disruption of the battle between Usyk and Fury

Kickboxing champion and head of Lace Up Promotions American Amer Abdallah gave
interview for the British media.

Amer participated in negotiations on organizing the main fight in the heavyweight division (over 90.7 kg) between the unified champion from Ukraine Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) and the WBC title holder Briton Tyson Fury (33-0-1, 24 KOs) in the territory of Saudi Arabia. The functionary expressed his version of events, why the main fight of the year did not take place in Central Asia, as was announced from the very beginning.

– I know that Saudi Arabia was eager to fight for the title of absolute champion. Bob Arum and Frank Warren have spoken out on the subject and it appears that the bout will not take place in Saudi Arabia. I’m not sure if you participated in these negotiations. It looks like the fight will take place in London. Why didn’t you manage to organize a fight in Saudi Arabia?

– There are several things. I’ll correct you a little. I wouldn’t use the word “craved”. If Saudi Arabia intends to do something, it will do it. There are only some obstacles when there are people of such power. Especially if Prince Khalid wanted it to happen for sure without any kind of reservations – it would happen. I want to assure you, I want this to be clear. All participants clearly understood this. If Prince Khalid decides that this will happen, then so be it. This is how these fights are organized.

The second is why it didn’t happen and what is my role in it. This was my first fight. When I entered into negotiations, there were a lot of people involved in this duel. People with all the guarantees, promises, distribution of fees, financial guarantees that we have made a decision – we give light to this fight, and depending on whether it works out or dissolves on its own – we move on from this. I think everyone unanimously agreed to that and I was very comfortable with it. For me now to go back 6 months into the past and say who promised what and what was in the contract – everything just slowed down. We came to a point where they had to either fight or walk away from it.

Why won’t Saudi Arabia accept the Usyk-Fury fight? Expert version

Third, the fight is planned in Britain. I think this fight should be in Britain. In the US, there is no such attraction. Tyson Fury certainly made a name for himself, but you will never get 80,000 people in an arena in the US with Tyson Fury. Britain is where this fight should be. I think it makes a lot of sense. Of course, if the Saudis wanted it, it would take place here, and it would also be a great fight. But I think Britain is a great place to fight. I have a great relationship with Bob Arum, Top Rank, also with Queensberry. So we wish them all the best. Let’s hope it turns out to be a great event. You never know, maybe in the future there will be a rematch here, maybe there will be another potential fight here. I believe the press reports are accurate in that they are moving the fight to London. This is where the fight will take place on April 29th. And I’ll be calling to make sure I get my tickets.