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COLOGNE, GERMANY – APRIL 28: Tyson Fury reacts as Wladimir Klitschko speaks to the media during Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko head to head press conference on April 28, 2016 in Cologne, Germany. Fury v Klitschko Part 2 will take place in Manchester on July 9 for the WBO, WBA and IBO heavyweight belts. (Photo by Sascha Steinbach/Bongarts/Getty Images)

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COLOGNE, GERMANY – APRIL 28: Tyson Fury reacts as Wladimir Klitschko speaks to the media during Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko head to head press conference on April 28, 2016 in Cologne, Germany. Fury v Klitschko Part 2 will take place in Manchester on July 9 for the WBO, WBA and IBO heavyweight belts. (Photo by Sascha Steinbach/Bongarts/Getty Images)
The year 2023 has been a rollercoaster ride for the WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. The highly anticipated undisputed fight between Fury and unified champion Oleksandr Usyk fell through, leaving fans disappointed. Negotiations for a clash with former champion Anthony Joshua also hit a roadblock. However, instead of pursuing these long-awaited matchups, ‘The Gypsy King’ has surprised the boxing world by choosing to face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
Fury’s quest for boxing supremacy seemed on the verge of realization. However, contractual complications and other factors led to the fight being called off, leaving Fury and his team searching for an alternative path. Amidst the disappointments and failed negotiations, the WBC champion’s decision to face Ngannou has caught many off guard. This includes Usyk’s manager Egis Klimas, who did not mince his words when it came to this crossover bout and Fury.
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Oleksandr Usyk’s manager slams Tyson Fury
Taking to Twitter, Klimas criticized the matchup, calling it “the biggest joke ever in boxing” and dismissing it as a circus rather than a legitimate boxing event. Klimas seemed to express disappointment in Fury, highlighting the champion’s transformation from a positive figure in boxing to what he perceives as a negative joker in a circus.
“The biggest joke ever in boxing!!! I am sorry it’s not boxing it’s circus @Tyson_Fury becoming from positive person in boxing to negative joker in circus,” he wrote.
The biggest joke ever in boxing!!! I am sorry it’s not boxing it’s circus @Tyson_Fury becoming from positive person in boxing to negative joker in circus https://t.co/VYeOwxq0dt
— Egis Klimas (@KlimasBoxing) July 11, 2023
While Klimas’ comments may reflect the frustration of Usyk’s camp, it remains to be seen how this unexpected turn of events will impact Fury’s standing in the boxing world. However, Joshua also feels that this fight will certainly undermine Fury’s status in the division.
Anthony Joshua’s take on Fury vs Nagannou
In a recent interview with IFLTV Joshua, in response to a question about Fury’s fight with Ngannou, offered three thoughts on the matter. Firstly, he expressed his indifference, stating that this fight does not concern him and has no impact on his own career. Secondly, Joshua questioned the rationale behind Fury’s decision, believing that the “Gypsy King” should have been pursuing the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world instead. He unequivocally labeled Fury’s choice as “nonsense” and attributed the consequences solely to Fury’s own decisions.
Read More: Francis Ngannou Could Make “50-Times” More Compared to UFC Champions for Tyson Fury Boxing Match
“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.” he said.
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JUNE 05: Tyson Fury in action during a public workout at the National Football Museum on June 5, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
While Fury’s move may have its supporters who appreciate the novelty and entertainment value of the matchup, the criticism from fellow fighters like Joshua highlights the disappointment and frustration felt by those who expected to witness Fury’s participation in defining fights within the realm of traditional boxing.
Moreover, as the anticipation for Fury’s clash with Ngannou builds, the boxing world will closely observe the outcome of this unconventional bout and reflect on the implications it may have for the heavyweight division and Fury’s legacy as a fighter.
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What did you think about Usyk’s manager’s take on this crossover fight? Let us know in the comments.
Watch This Story: Everything We Know So Far About Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou
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