Eddie Hearn reveals surprise reason why Fury vs Usyk is at risk of collapse and brutally slams Gypsy King over demands
EDDIE HEARN has claimed Tyson Fury’s showdown with Oleksandr Usyk is on the brink of collapse as there is “not that money” in the fight.
The first undisputed heavyweight title fight in nearly 25 years is at risk of falling through due to a row over the purse split, which Fury wants the lion’s share of.
Fury has, however, also rejected a proposed 60-40 split for the winner of the historic bout, which Hearn believes isn’t as lucrative as first thought.
He told BetFred: “One of the reasons we’re not seeing Usyk vs Fury is because there’s not that much money in it.
“It’s not as big a fight as people think. AJ vs Fury, there’s fortunes in that fight. Let’s get it on.
“I know what Tyson Fury wants and that’s money and he wants as much money as possible.
“It’s not rocket science and I don’t blame him.”
Hearn doesn’t begrudge Fury for wanting more money but insists The Gypsy King must make some concessions if he wants to become undisputed heavyweight king.
The Matchroom Boxing chief said: “If you want to become undisputed, then it’s 50-50 as one guy has three belts and the other has one, and yes I know you’re the bigger draw but who cares?”
Going off Fury’s refusal to split the pie evenly, Hearn is adamant he doesn’t want to dance with the undefeated Usyk.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
He continued: “Do you want it or not? The answer is not really.
“If Usyk really isn’t that good and he’s just a little middleweight, then would you not take £60, £70, £80 million to become undisputed?
“What’s the game become?”
Team Usyk are hopeful an agreement will be reached in the coming days but are beginning to weigh up a potential showdown with Brit Daniel Dubois.
Manager Alexander Krassyuk told iDBoxing: “This is actually what’s next for Usyk. So what can I say? We have to comply with it.
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout
“It’s probably not the worst fight for the UK. Dubois is English.
“Usyk fought a couple times here, so he’s probably a bit known.
“This is a fight where an Englishman is fighting for three belts at heavyweight.
“It’s a bit more than just a normal heavyweight fight.
“Because Usyk and Tyson and all this stuff occurred, that’s why it doesn’t look that big because we have something to compare with. On the other hand, it’s still huge.”