The undisputed world heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk has reportedly been scrapped for April 29.
When Fury insisted that a fight with, firstly, Anthony Joshua, and eventually, Dereck Chisora, must happen on December 3, the onus was on a showdown with Usyk taking place in March.
However, throughout this month, Fury has been taking to social media to make demands for the fight to happen at Wembley Stadium at the end of April.
After demanding a split of 70%, Fury saw Usyk accept, before that was followed up by Fury insisting that there should be no rematch clause in the agreement.
Usyk's team responded by stating that it was initially Fury's team who requested a rematch clause, and discussions are believed to have been held behind the scenes over the weekend and Monday.
© Reuters
Nevertheless, as first reported by boxing journalist Steve Kim, a showdown with all four recognised world titles on the line will not place in five-and-a-half weeks time.
Kim quotes Usyk's manager Egis Klimas as saying: "No matter how much Usyk compromised, he was pushed for more."
Furthermore, ESPN reporter Mike Coppinger says that terms could not be reached 'on material things beyond the split'.
As a result of the collapse of one of the biggest fights in the sport, Usyk will now prepare to face one of his mandatory challengers.
Although Usyk holds the IBF, WBA and WBO belts, he will first face Daniel Dubois, another fighter like Fury who is represented by Queensberry Promotions.
Meanwhile, Fury is in a position where he can make still make a voluntary defence at Wembley should he so wish, although it remains unclear whether that date will be kept in place.
Darren Plant
