In a surprising revelation, it has come to light that Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian boxing sensation, has a safeguard clause embedded in his contract for the upcoming bout against Tyson Fury. Set to take place on May 18, the rescheduled clash between Usyk and Fury has garnered significant attention, especially with the added intrigue of this clandestine clause.
Should Tyson Fury opt to withdraw from the fight once again, as he did recently due to a sparring injury, Usyk has a backup plan in place. The contract stipulates that Usyk will face off against Filip Hrgovic on the designated date, ensuring that the highly anticipated event moves forward regardless of Fury’s participation.
Notably, both fighters face hefty financial penalties if they pull out, with a $10 million payout required to their opponent. Usyk’s team, led by coach Sergey Lapin, has expressed confidence in their readiness to take on Hrgovic if the need arises, reaffirming their commitment to delivering an electrifying showdown for fans worldwide.
The anticipation surrounding this matchup has been palpable, with Usyk patiently awaiting his chance to challenge Fury since his impressive victory over Daniel Dubois last August. Previous attempts to schedule the bout were thwarted, including a delayed agreement after Fury’s close call against Francis Ngannou in October, which raised doubts about the Brit’s current form and readiness for such a high-stakes encounter.
Lapin didn’t mince words in assessing Fury’s recent performances, suggesting a decline in his capabilities and resilience. He pointed to Fury’s struggles in sparring and vulnerabilities exposed by Ngannou as indicators of a fighter past his prime, hinting at Usyk’s potential to capitalize on these weaknesses come May 18.
While the boxing world eagerly awaits the showdown between Usyk and Fury, the presence of this covert clause adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated event. Fans can only speculate on the outcome, but one thing is certain: May 18 promises to be a date circled on every boxing enthusiast’s calendar.