'BOUT TIME

but... promoter Warren says fight so nearly didn't happen

- MARTIN DOMIN

AS recently as last summer, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk looked destined to be the latest victims of heavyweight boxing's undisputed curse.

Fury had reigned as world champion for three years after knocking out Deontay Wilder, while Usyk had dethroned Anthony Joshua before outclassing him again in their rematch.

Brits Fury and Joshua had been on the verge of signing for a blockbuster showdown in 2021 before Fury was forced instead to complete his trilogy with Wilder.

The American himself had failed to agree terms with Joshua when they shared the sport's ultimate prize. And early last year, Fury's proposed showdown with Usyk became another casualty when talks to host the fight at Wembley broke down at the 11th hour.

Usyk had been stretched to breaking point by Fury's demands, having accepted just 30 per cent of the total fight purse.