Oleksandr Usyk, who became boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion in two decades in May, says that Tyson Fury will have a lot on the line in their rematch — even if the ‘Gypsy King’ doesn’t currently hold any belts. 

Usyk defeated Fury by split decision in Saudi Arabia several months ago to become the first fighter to hold all the major titles in the heavyweight since Lennox Lewis 25 years ago. Fury will seek to gain a measure of revenge over the fighter he once described as a ‘blown up middleweight’ with a contractually guaranteed rematch set to take place on December 21, again in Saudi Arabia.

The fight comes a year after both men were tentatively expected to meet in the ring, though that fight was delayed until February following Fury’s razor-thin win over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou the previous October — while the February date, for which contracts were signed, was delayed to the following May after Fury sustained a large gash to his eyebrow in preparation.

But this time around, Usyk isn’t concerned over any potential delays to his second fight with the giant Fury.

“No way, because the ball’s in our court now. He has a contract and so do I. Until December 31, we have to hold this fight up to and including [that date]. I really like the fact that we are preparing for December 21. It’s a good date, a good month,” Uysk said.

Furthermore, Usyk stated that there will be a financial penalty for Fury should he fail to make the agreed window. But even more than that, Usyk said that not making the ring in December in the Middle East would reflect poorly on Fury’s character.