Here’s what will happen if either Oleksandr Usyk or Tyson Fury pull out of their scheduled world championship rematch.
Usyk puts his WBA (super), WBC and WBO world heavyweight titles on the line when he faces Fury on December 21.
It will be their second meeting following their May showdown, where the Ukrainian edged out the Brit by split decision to become the undisputed champion.
The rematch is just over a week away, but if either fighter withdraws from the Riyadh clash, then a contract clause is set to be triggered.
For their first fight, which was rescheduled following a cut sustained to Fury in sparring, Turki Alalshikh inserted a penalty should either man back out of the contest.
He said that Usyk or Fury would be required to pay their rival a sum of £10 million if they pulled out of the match.
“I guarantee both of the fighters £10m if someone escapes from the fight. This is the first thing, and the second thing – I guarantee a big fight on the same night for another one,” he said on The MMA Hour, ahead of the first fight, which took place on May 18 following the cancellation of the original February 17 date.
“Make the people around the world know if someone is scared and wants to escape from this fight,” the Saudi boxing chief added.
Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury face off ahead of their rematch. Image: Getty
Usyk seemingly confirmed that the same clause is written in the contract ahead of their rematch.
During an interview with his app Ready To Fight, he said: “He has a contract and so do I until Dec 31st, we have to hold this fight up to and including [that date].
“If he pulls out December 21, he will lose all of his money and dividends and won’t be a man of his word anymore.”
There have been no suggestion that Usyk vs. Fury 2 will be postponed, with both fighters seemingly fit and healthy prior to renewing hostilities next weekend.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Boxing