Tyson Fury faces losing almost half of £60m prize pot after Oleksandr Usyk fight
Tyson Fury is poised to lose nearly half of his £60 million earnings from his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk due to tax obligations. Despite the fight taking place in Saudi Arabia, as a UK resident, Fury is subject to UK tax laws, which require him to pay taxes on worldwide income.
According to projections, Fury will face a tax bill of approximately £28 million. This includes around £26.99 million in income tax and an additional £1.2 million in National Insurance contributions. These deductions will reduce his net earnings from the fight to about £31.8 million.
The rematch, scheduled for December 21, 2024, in Saudi Arabia, features a prize pot estimated at £150 million ($190 million), with a 55-45 split favoring Usyk due to his previous victory. This arrangement means Usyk is expected to earn a larger share of the purse compared to their first encounter.
Fury’s substantial tax obligations highlight the financial implications for UK athletes earning income abroad. Despite the fight’s location, UK tax laws mandate that residents pay taxes on their global earnings, leading to significant deductions from Fury’s anticipated purse.
In the lead-up to the rematch, Fury has expressed that financial gain is a primary motivator for his boxing career, emphasizing his focus on securing lucrative fights.
The rematch not only carries significant financial stakes but also offers Fury an opportunity to avenge his previous loss to Usyk and reclaim his position atop the heavyweight division. Both fighters are expected to earn substantial sums, even after accounting for tax deductions, underscoring the high-revenue nature of elite boxing matches.
