Oleksandr Usyk has revealed Tyson Fury wll be hit with financial penalties if he withdraws from their rematch.
Usyk is set to meet Fury in a huge showdown on December 21, six months after the Ukrainian handed the ‘Gypsy King’ his first career defeat in May.
Prior to their first meeting, it was forced to be rescheduled after Fury suffered a cut in sparring, which led to fears that the fight may never take place.
It did eventually unfold, but Usyk has now stated, as he is the A-side, that there will be consequences if the Briton is unable to compete.
“No way because the ball’s in our court now,” Usyk said during an interview with his application Ready To Fight.
“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.”
Fury did suffer a nasty cut but did agree straight away to the rescheduled date, and the pair did settle their rivalry.
The ‘Gypsy King’ is already back in training for the revenge mission at the end of the year, and will be keen to try and become a three-time heavyweight world champion.
He faces an uphill task with Usyk now set to be the favourite, given his scintillating display in their opening encounter.
It is highly unlikely Fury will withdraw unless he suffers a serious injury, given the huge paydays the pair are likely to make.
The British star also knows victory would see his name thrust back to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division, by becoming the first man to beat Usyk as a professional.
He could also be rewarded with a potential huge clash against Anthony Joshua in 2025, particularly if his rival beats Daniel Dubois next week at Wembley Stadium.
Despite concerns for Fury in the sequel, former world champion Amir Khan can only see the Briton improving and turning the tables in their second meeting.
“I’ve been seeing comments that Tyson Fury is going to get beat again [and] knocked out this time, but I don’t see that,” Khan said.
“One thing about Fury is [that] every time he’s lost or had a bad fight, he’s come back stronger and has known what to do and how to beat the guy.
“He might have taken his foot off the pedal in the first fight but this time he’s going to have to be focused and ready.
“He needs that fire in his belly again and wants to be world champion again.
“I don’t know if the Saudi money has made him relaxed or take that fire away but let’s hope he really wants it.
“I know if Tyson walks into that ring and is the guy who wants it then he’ll definitely get the knockout and win.”
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