Tyson Fury has insisted that there should be no rematch clause if an undisputed world heavyweight showdown with Oleksandr Usyk is to go ahead.
In the autumn, Fury set a deadline for Anthony Joshua to accept terms for a December date courtesy of a showdown with Usyk being pencilled in for March.
However, over three months since he routinely defeated Dereck Chisora, Fury's camp are yet to agree terms with their counterparts representing Usyk.
That is partly down to a clash in the Middle East being shelved, but it has been well documented that Wembley Stadium is booked for April 29, the plan being for Fury and Usyk to put their respective belts on the line.
Although less than seven weeks remain until that date, Fury and Usyk are at loggerheads over terms, the former brazenly insisting on a 70-30 split on Friday despite holding just one of the four titles.
🚨 TALK ABOUT UPPING THE STAKES🚨 @usykaa pic.twitter.com/1eOUqQ6efv
— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) March 13, 2023
Nevertheless, Usyk quickly accepted those terms in a bid to finalise a bout, and it was widely reported that the fight would take place subject to contracts being made official.
Three days on from their previous social media exchange, Fury has returned to the platform, stating that neither fighter should be entitled to a rematch should they lose.
In response, Usyk and his team have claimed that it was Fury's camp - not their own - who requested a rematch during earlier discussions.
The Ukrainian said: "Hey #greedybelly the rematch clause came from your side not mine. Stop whining and ducking. Be a man, ink the contract or vacate the belt. I need undisputed and not to play your stupid games."
As well as Usyk taking to social media to make that claim, promoter Alexander Krassyuk spoke to talkSPORT to give his take on the situation.
🥊 "If Usyk accepts the no rematch clause, Fury will still be searching for a way to pull out of the fight!"
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) March 13, 2023
👀 "He will try to avoid Usyk for as long as possible!"
Oleksandr Usyk's promoter thinks that Tyson Fury is scared to fight because he's not prepared. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OJGUHZZ02i
Usyk's manager Egis Klimas also commented on Fury's request on Twitter, adding: "No one from Usyk's side asking a rematch stop lying to people.
"Rematch issue came from your side, as we there dealing with your promoters you asked for rematch which we agreed, so what is next not to fight Usyk?"
As it stands, it is believed that negotiations will continue, but the WBA have recently stated that Usyk must face mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois if a deal is not reached with Fury.
That request was only withdrawn at the weekend upon the belief that a fight between Fury and Usyk - who is in possession of the WBA belt - was on the brink of being made official.
Darren Plant
