Oleksandr Usyk has reportedly inserted a ‘secret clause’ into the contract for his upcoming fight against Tyson Fury, potentially altering the landscape of the heavyweight division.
Originally scheduled for February 17, the highly anticipated bout was postponed after Fury sustained a severe cut during sparring sessions.
Now rescheduled for May 18, both fighters have agreed to forfeit a substantial £10 million if they withdraw from the match. However, Usyk has taken additional precautions to safeguard his interests.
According to Usyk’s trainer, Sergey Lapin, if Fury withdraws again, Usyk will proceed with the fight against his backup opponent, Filip Hrgovic.
Lapin explained, “Hrgovic is the backup opponent, so the show will go on regardless of whether he shows up, this was also confirmed by His Excellency Turki Al Sheikh.”
Hrgovic, ranked ninth in the heavyweight division, stands ready to step up and seize the opportunity. Fury’s withdrawal from the bout stemmed from an accidental elbow during training, leaving Usyk prepared for any eventuality.
Lapin expressed confidence that Usyk would expose Fury’s vulnerabilities when they finally meet in the ring. Despite Fury’s recent victory over Francis Ngannou, Lapin believes he showed signs of decline.
He asserted, “If Fury finally dares to enter the ring on May 18, then it will be a terrible dream for him, he has never boxed with a boxer of this level in his life.”
Lapin added, “[Francis] Ngannou exposed Fury for what he is, a fighter with too many miles on the clock, a fighter who has had too many wars.”
