OLEKSANDR USYK has blasted Tyson Fury and claimed he is asking for £500m for an undisputed clash.
The Ukrainian beat Anthony Joshua for a second time in August to retain his WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO and The Ring heavyweight titles.
It leaves a tantalising clash with The Gypsy King on the cards for 2023.
Fury had looked set to take on Joshua in December in what pundits were claiming would have been the biggest clash in British boxing history if it could have been pulled off.
But the 34-year-old dramatically pulled the plug earlier this week after AJ’s team missed the deadline to sign the contract – but some remain hopeful.
Usyk now said a fight with Fury could be on – but admits his surprise at the Brit’s demands.
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Usyk told Parimatch: “I don’t know anything about what Tyson Fury is doing or thinking. We’re in negotiations talking about a match and we’re doing our best to make this bout happen. Of course, I really want to have this fight next year.
“But if Tyson Fury is not interested in a match next year, then it’s not possible to fight against him. I’m not interested in fighting any other boxer, so let’s wait.
“He’s talking about 500 million pounds for the fight. He’s a lunatic, but in a good sense I mean. I’d also want 500 million, but it’s something crazy.”
Usyk also mentioned again that any fight this year was off the cards as he recovers from injury and looks to spend more time with his family.
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The 35-year-old would also NOT rule out a trilogy fight with Joshua in the future.
He said: “If Fury doesn’t agree I think we could try to have another fight. We already had a match in London and in Saudi Arabia as well, so the next one could be at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv.”
Another potential Usyk opponent emerged over the weekend after Joe Joyce knocked out Joseph Parker.
The result has left The Juggernaut in a position to set up a fight with the biggest names in the division.
Meanwhile, Fury has announced he will be fighting Manuel Charr in December following the breakdown in plans to fight Joshua.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
