“It’s a Big Shame”: Fabio Wardley Stunned Over $10 Million Condition for Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, Disappointed With the Postponement

The anticipation for the big Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight is a longer continuity than anything else boxing fans were prepared for. The coveted fight has been pushed just days before the big event. How did the world react? British heavyweight, Fabio Wardley’s words represent that front the best.

On the 17th of February, WBC champion, Fury and his IBF/WBA/ WBO titlist counterpart, Usyk were to fight at the Kingdom Arena of Saudi Arabia. The confrontation would yield the heavyweight division’s first undisputed champion of the four-belts era. However, ‘Gypsy King’ incurred a cut during his sparring session, leading to the fight’s postponement. Now, a new date has emerged. The event’s promoter, Saudi Kingpin, His Highness Turki Alalshikh has placed an atypical clause in the contract to ensure the fight does not fall through, yet again.

A $10 million security clause

In the latest developments, Alalshikh announced that whoever pulls out of the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight next will forfeit $10 million from their purse amount. When these revelations were communicated to the 17-undefeated Wardley, he appeared stunned. To iFL TV, he remarked, “Jesus Christ who signed that? I gotta check my contract and make sure that’s not in there anywhere. I’m f*cked otherwise.”

In a special breaking news segment of Ariel Helwani’s MMA Hour, the Saudi advisor, Alalshikh appeared on the show along with the heavyweight giants. Confirming 18 May as a new date for the fight, he divulged that the fight would go on this time even if either of the fighters pulled out. He noted, “If Usyk is scared, I will call for [Anthony] Joshua vs. Tyson,” Alalshikh said. “If Tyson is scared, I will call for any fighter Usyk wants, and it’s my name on this thing. We have a guarantee from both sides, and they know it now.”

The Saudis and the world cannot afford to lose this fight from happening. It is as crucial as it gets for boxing. Aligning his thoughts with those disappointed by the postponement, Wardley who will next fight Frazer Clarke in March-end explained, “It’s a big shame, but hopefully they get the rematch sorted. I know they picked the date, I don’t know how… I don’t know how feasible that date is in terms of a cut and things, having it to heal but hopefully it comes off. Hopefully, it all works out right and we do eventually get the fight we all want to see.”

The postponement has landed everyone in a fix, including the contenders for the undisputed title themselves.

Was Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk deliberately postponed?

Speaking to Helwani, 35-year-old, Fury broke his silence on his injury that needed the fighter to get about 11 stitches to close. He said, “Nothing much anyone can do about a cut in sparring – s*** happens.” He further explained, “I’ve never had one before – first time for everything.”

Alalshikh verified the fighter’s injury through the ‘special camera’ he had installed in the Lancashire-based heavyweight’s camp to observe his training. While Usyk just smiled at this development, his manager expressed his disappointment on his behalf. Egis Klimas retorted, “Maybe when you want to get cut, you’re going to get cut.” Klimas said. “Because he didn’t want to fight with Usyk. He’s scared.”

Also Read: Fans Mock Tyson Fury for Fight Postponement as Oleksandr Usyk Shares New Fight Poster

In defence, Fury posted a rhetorical question. “Why would I not want to fight for the biggest payday of my life, and put 10 weeks into a training camp.” With the fight being pushed further, boxing fans will have to wait longer to see the giants clash. What do you think about $10 million forfeit clause? Let us know in the comments section below.

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