Likelihood, location and legacy – a closer look at mooted Fury-Usyk showdown

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk appear to be on a collision course for early next year in a much-anticipated showdown that could see all four world heavyweight titles on the line.

Bob Arum, Fury’s co-promoter, revealed the WBC champion and Usyk, the WBA, IBF and WBO titlist, have agreed to fight each other next with the UK and the Middle East possible destinations.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the state of play.

So Fury-Usyk is a lock?

No, boxing is far too fickle for anything to be guaranteed until the fighters are actually in the ring. No contracts have been signed, a date is yet to be agreed and the venue is still up in the air. This was the most anticipated contest for boxing fans 12 months ago but mandatories, contractual rematches and schedules – as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – have intervened.

What are the reasons for hope, then?

Are there any stumbling blocks on the horizon?

So all roads lead to Fury-Usyk?

Both fighters will be acutely aware their legacy may hinge on being able to thrash out a deal but the devil is always in the detail. It is worth remembering Fury and Anthony Joshua were close to finalising a blockbuster bout but talks there ultimately fizzled out with much finger-pointing from both sides. While there is a will to get this fight in the books, there may be more twists and turns to come.

Is there any indication of where the fight will take place?

So upbeat vibes but nothing concrete?