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Before Francis Ngannou fight, Tyson Fury books Oleksandr Usyk undisputed title bout

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk is on.

The heavyweight titleholders have signed contracts to crown the first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Fury’s co-promoter Queensberry Promotions said in a news released.

Queensberry said the date of the fight and other details will be announced “in due course.” ESPN reported that the event could take place in December or early next year, citing sources.

The fight will be promoted by Queensberry, Top Rank, K2 and Usyk 17.

“Delighted to finally get this fight signed,” Queensberry’s Frank Warren. “This is the biggest fight that could possibly be made in our sport. The heavyweights always spark the imagination of the fans, and I have no doubt this will be the biggest boxing event of the century.

“I look forward to Tyson reclaiming the three belts that he never lost in the ring.”

Said Alex Krassyk of K2, Usyk’s promoter: “I can’t believe that it’s happening but it is. Difficult to express my admiration for being part of the biggest heavyweight fight of the century.”

Fury (33-0-1, 24 KOs) has some business to take care of first. The WBC beltholder is scheduled to face MMA star Francis Ngannou on Oct. 28 in Riyadh, although Fury should have no difficulty beating the first-time boxer.

Fury and IBF, WBA and WBO titleholder Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) appeared set to fight on April 29. However, talks broke off after the sides couldn’t agree on a purse split for a projected rematch.

Usyk, who was coming off back-to-back victories over Anthony Joshua, moved on from Fury and defended his belts against Daniel Dubois on Aug. 26. The Ukrainian stopped his English counterpart in nine rounds.

Fury, also from England, last took part in a serious bout on Dec. 3, when he stopped Derek Chisora in 10 rounds.

(Editor’s note: This story first published at Boxing Junkie, part of the USA TODAY Network.)

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