- Oleksandr Usyk put in an impressive performance to beat Tyson Fury in Riyadh
- There has been speculation about whether Fury will exercise his rematch clause.
- Frank Warren says his fighter intends to face Usyk again later this year.
Tyson Fury’s promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that his fighter plans to face Oleksandr Usyk later this year.
The Ukrainian defeated the Gypsy King in a blockbuster clash on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia, winning by split decision after the judges scored the fight 115-112, 113-114, 114-113.
It meant Usyk became the first boxer since Lennox Lewis in 1999 to unify the heavyweight division after taking the WBC title from Fury, which was added to his WBA (Super), WBO, IBF and IBO titles.
There was an immediate rematch clause attached to the fight, but there have been doubts over whether Fury will exercise it and there has been speculation about a possible retirement.
However, speaking on talkSPORT, Warren insisted that Fury intends to meet Usyk in the ring for a second time.
Frank Warren (right) has confirmed that Tyson Fury plans to face Oleksandr Usyk.
“He’s back here, he’s recovering and his frame of mind is that he wants a rematch and that’s already signed, so it’s going to happen,” Warren said.
He then confirmed that the fight will take place in October in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the site of their inaugural meeting.
It marks a clear change in tone by Warren, who had been partly to blame for doubts about a rematch.
Speaking to Seconds Out on Sunday, he said: “We are committed because there is a signed contract.” However, Tyson has to want to do it and Usyk has to want to do it.
There were doubts about whether Fury would exercise his revenge clause after his defeat
‘If one of them says ‘I’ve had enough’, that might be the case. And that would be his choice.
“They are two guys who gave everything in that ring, both of them.”
When asked if Usyk really has the option to retire, with the rematch clause in the loser’s hands, Warren responded: “Well, he can, he’s the champion, he can say he retires.”
“I’m not saying I would, but you have that option, right?”
When asked what hesitation there might be on Fury’s part, Warren continued: “He immediately said (that he would accept the rematch) in the ring.”
“But I told him he’s been away from his family since last December, two training camps in a row, no fights in between, that’s a long time to be away from his family.
‘We don’t have to make any decisions about anything. He is contracted, and if he wants to move on, he will.
‘But who is anyone who can put pressure on Tyson about what he should be doing? That is his choice. He’s the guy that gets in the ring, he’s the guy that takes the hits and that’s just who he is.’