Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk set for historic fight with new format as emergency petition is launched

TYSON FURY’S blockbuster showdown with Oleksandr Usyk will see a new undisputed heavyweight champion of the world crowned.

And it could also be the debut for a dramatic new format when the pair eventually go head to head.

EPA

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will eventually fight on May 18[/caption]

Reuters

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman proposed the new format[/caption]

That is because WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman wants there to be SIX judges for the fight – rather than the usual three.

And he has even launched an emergency petition to get the radical proposal passed through.

That includes Sulaiman contacting rival organisations the WBA, IBF and WBO, as well as the other parties involved in the fight, to get them on board.

Various big fights have been marred in controversy regarding judges’ scorecards – such as Fury’s win over Francis Ngannou and Josh Taylor’s controversial victory over Jack Catterall in 2022.

There was also major question marks over Rey Vargas retaining his featherweight belt against Nick Ball despite being knocked down twice.

And doubling the number of judges could help eradicate rogue scores wrecking decisions.

Sulaiman told Boxing Scene: “What we saw last week in Saudi Arabia was another example of how fragile officiating worldwide continues to be.

“We saw one judge have it one way big and another judge having the other guy winning.

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“Controversy like that in the Fury-Usyk fight will kill boxing.

“Fights, especially those at this highest level, deserve this and so I’m putting forward this proposal now to all sanctioning bodies, promoters and fighters.

TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT

“It has to be something we all agree on.”

Fury and Usyk are set to step into the ring at long last on May 18.

Their initial December 23 date was pushed back after Fury’s struggles against MMA legend Ngannou.

Then just two weeks before their rearranged February 17 meeting in Saudi, the Gypsy King suffered a nasty gash above his eye in sparring.

Now if either of the fighters pulls out of the new date, they will need to stump up nearly £8million to their rival.

The fight will be staged in Saudi Arabia and for the first time, Sky Sports, TNT Sports and DAZN all have the broadcast rights as they battle it out to top the pay-per-view figures.

Reuters

Rey Vargas controversially retained his featherweight title despite being knocked down twice by Nick Ball[/caption]