AN UNDISPUTED DELAY

In just 11 days from now, and for the first time this millennia, boxing was ready to crown an undisputed heavyweight world champion. 

But some things are just too good to be true. 

It was a weekend in which focus was meant to shift from Saudi, and shine onto Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez, as they clashed in what could end up the biggest domestic fight of 2024. 

If that wasn’t enough, one of the sport’s most polarising fighters in Conor Benn headlined in Las Vegas, before inviting the likes of Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis into combat. 

Yet, instead, the boxing fraternity was absorbed by a cut. 

A cut which requires 11 stitches, and sits unsightly on the right eye of Tyson Fury. 

Subsequently, the Gypsy King has had to wave goodbye to his February 17th date with Oleksandr Usyk. 

Of course, boxing did what boxing does best. Out came the tinfoil hats, and with it suggestions that this was all part of the Fury masterplan. A foolproof way to avoid Usyk.  

I mean, he has punched himself in the face before. 

In all seriousness, it did look at one stage as if the ‘Ring of Fire’ had gone completely up in flames. 

Thankfully in May it will be relit, and with assurances too. 

If either Fury or Usyk are to pull out of the May 18th date, then they can expect a $10 million penalty. This confirmed by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Hour. 

It has to be said, it was quite refreshing to see Fury, His Excellency, Usyk, and Egis Klimas jump on a Saturday night Zoom for a clear-the-air counselling session. 

It was also quite unusual, as despite a solitary outburst amidst claims he is a ‘coward’, Fury sat like a child in detention next to His Excellency. A far cry from the Fury we know and tolerate. 

I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. Imagine going through a gruelling camp, in your twilight years, off the back of a career-worst performance… all to suffer a sparring cut just days out. 

I guess chaos creates opportunity, with boxing now given the chance to capitalise on this feud for at least another three months, and deliver a potentially even more desirable undisputed showdown. 

However, when May 18th rolls around, and our evening plans consist of doing something other than watching the top two heavyweights take centre stage, I’m sure we will all curse the sport we love. 

Let the countdown begin, again. 

Oscar Bevis

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