The head of the Top Rank promotional company, Bob Arum, sees no reason why the fight for the title of absolute heavyweight champion between the WBC title holder British Tyson Fury (32-0-1, 23 KOs), of which he is a co-promoter, and the Ukrainian WBA champion /WBO/IBF by Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs), would not have been able to organize and hold at the beginning of 2023.
“Absolutely,” Arum replied when asked if he was sure that the fight between Fury and Usyk could eventually be arranged. I am in constant, daily virtual contact with Usyk’s manager, Egis Klimas, because he is also the manager of the (other) fighters we lead. I keep my finger on the pulse, and Klimas said that he is negotiating with applicants for the fight. The last week of February or the first week of March would suit us all.”
The calendar suggests that we are talking about two dates – February 25 and March 4.
Note that Fury is going to enter the ring before the end of this year – his voluntary defense is scheduled for December 3 in Cardiff (Wales). It is expected that he will announce the name of the opponent before the end of this week. Presumably it will be former WBA Super title holder Manuel Charr.
Usyk will limit himself to one fight this year. He held it on August 20, again defeating Briton Anthony Joshua on points.
Watch how Fury sparring with nano-Usyk – video.
