Alexander Krassyuk has suggested the controversial notion of stripping Tyson Fury of his WBC heavyweight title due to ongoing rumors surrounding a potential fight between Fury and Francis Ngannou.
The heavyweight division has been eagerly awaiting an undisputed fight ever since negotiations between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk fell through. Despite Usyk agreeing to a 70-30 split, the fight failed to materialize. As a result, Usyk is now preparing to face his WBA mandatory challenger, Daniel Dubois.
In the meantime, Fury, as the "Gypsy King," has yet to fulfill his mandatory obligations while actively pursuing a bout against Ngannou. This situation has caused frustration for Krassyuk, as it has resulted in the WBC belt being tied up and unavailable for other contenders.
“He can be stripped only for one reason, if he does not comply with WBC rules. But according to my understanding he does [comply].
“He fought [British contender Dillian] Whyte for the mandatory and now they have to appoint him a new mandatory because the new mandatory has not been appointed. He’s not actually breaking any rule of the WBC.
“But from a sports point of view—pure boxing, sports—he has to be stripped because he stayed so inactive for so long. And he is like cheating people, announcing fights that don’t take place,” Krassyuk said.
Fury Responds
Fury's response to those comments has evoked a strong reaction. The 'Gypsy King' reaffirmed his belief that he is fully entitled to the belt, as he has diligently fulfilled all mandatory obligations.
Moreover, the delay in the WBC title eliminator between Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr. is an external factor beyond the champion's control.
“There’s a lot of unknown, irrelevant people talking about how I should be stripped of my belt. I don’t have a mandatory. When I do have a mandatory, it’ll be dealt with just like every other mandatory that I’ve ever had.
“Until then, keep on hating and enjoy the little tiny bit of money that you guys [Usyk] are making while the big G is in the house,” Fury said.
AJ On Fury
However, Fury's comments seemed misplaced in relation to Anthony Joshua. Joshua made it clear that the 'Gypsy King' had avoided facing Usyk. This became evident when Fury admitted to training for a potential fight against the Ukrainian in April, which eventually fell through. Interestingly, Fury's coach, SugarHill Steward, contradicted this claim.
“Usyk didn’t duck, Fury did duck,” Joshua said
Joshua was asked about the fight after his press conference with Dillian Whyte for their upcoming clash on August 12 and he told IFL TV: "Three thoughts.
"One – I shouldn’t give a f**k, it’s none of my business. It has no business concerning me. It pays me no business.
"Number two – Why?
"He should’ve been fighting for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world. Straight up. That’s nonsense. His fault.
"Three – If we’re acknowledging his business, good luck to the man. Do your thing. If it’s right for him, what’s it got to do with me?
"That’s my three views on it.”