After months of failed negotiations and trash talk between the camps earlier this year, Usyk faced Daniel Dubois and Fury instead agreed a Saudi deal of his own and opted for a crossover bout against Francis Ngannou on October 28.
Many saw this as a final nail in the coffin for the chances of Fury vs Usyk happening in 2023.
However, since the Ngannou fight was finalised a couple of months ago, talks have quietly resumed behind the scenes between the heavyweights’ teams and Saudi Arabia’s General Sports Authority.
The Saudis have been determined to stage an undisputed heavyweight world title fight for several years because it constitutes an incredibly rare, marquee event in sport.
And now, Fury’s promoter Frank Warren has publicly confirmed that Fury and Usyk have signed contracts for the fight to finally come to fruition.
“Delighted to finally get this fight signed,” said Warren, “This is the biggest fight that could possibly be made in our sport.
“The heavyweights always spark the imagination of the fans, and I have no doubt this will be the biggest boxing event of the century.
“I look forward to Tyson reclaiming the three belts that he never lost in the ring.”
Fury’s USA co-promoter Bob Arum added: “Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are the two greatest heavyweights of their generation, and I can’t wait to see what happens when they step into the ring in Riyadh.
“They are special talents worthy of competing for the greatest prize in sports.”
Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk added: “I can’t believe that it’s happening but it is.
“Difficult to express my admiration for being part of the biggest heavyweight fight of the century. Respect to Tyson for his courage and thank the Lord for all he gives us.”
