29 May 2024 , 10:59
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Scammers have counterfeited Oleksandr Usyk's merchandise just over a week on from his undisputed win against Tyson Fury.
Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over 25 years when he beat Fury on points in their historic fight earlier this month. Fury started strongly but Usyk found a second win and almost KO'd the Brit, who was able to survive but lost a split decision. Their rematch was expected to take place in October but has since been announced for December 21.
The Ukrainian is still riding high after his win but fraudsters have since faked his official 'Ready To Fight' merchandise store on Instagram. The fake account has copied the appearance of the legitimate page, who called out the counterfeiters by writing: We want to protect you from fraud; this account is the ONLY official place to buy RTF STORE merch. Please be cautious and don’t trust scammers!"
The authentic Ready to Fight store has an Instagram handle with one underscore, whilst the fake account has the same handle but with two underscores. Usyk was set to be stripped of his IBF world title this weekend so the belt could be up for grabs in Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois' fight, but has since pleaded with the organisation to not take his title away.
"We’re waiting for a decision to be made,” Usyk's manager Egis Klimas told Boxing Scene. “I think it’s more important for Tyson Fury now. Oleksandr, of course, is a two-time unified champion and if the next fight is just for the three belts, I don’t think it’s going to be fair for either of the two guys. Either Tyson Fury or for Oleksandr.
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“As far as importance, I think it’s more important for Team Fury to get this title. Imagine if Fury wins – he’s not going to be undisputed, so he is losing the chance. The rematch, the clause, was so both guys had the chance to be undisputed. I hope the IBF are going to make the right decision."
All four world titles won't be on the line when Usyk and Fury fight again in December. Fury who was handed a one-week medical suspension by the UAE Boxing Commission after his loss, is set to earn a massive £100million for his rematch against Usyk, who made around £35million for his undisputed win.