Tyson Fury's undisputed fight with Oleksandr Usyk is "more likely" to take place in the spring, according to Dan Rafael.
Between them, Fury and Usyk hold all four major heavyweight belts and both have expressed interest in finally meeting each other in the ring in 2023.
When is Tyson Fury's next fight?
The Gypsy King is currently set to defend his WBC heavyweight title against Derek Chisora on December 3 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
And if he is successful, there is every chance an undisputed clash with Usyk could await him in the new year, providing the Ukrainian has made a full recovery from injury.
READ MORE: Tyson Fury vs Derek Chisora 3: Everything we know so far
However, speaking exclusively to GIVEMESPORT.com, Rafael cast doubt on the idea that the potential clash could happen before the spring.
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk could take place in the spring of 2023
What has Dan Rafael said about Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk?
He said: "Usyk did say that he hopes that they can have their undisputed fight.
"He said late February or March, late February seems a little tight. I mean, Tyson is going to fight on December 3, so it always sounds good beforehand, but then you have to get through the fight. You never know, it's possible that it would strike me that it would be more likely maybe closer to the springtime.
"But again, that's going to be up between the camps as long as they can make a deal, Fury is going to have a lot to say about that.
"My hope is whether it's February or whether it's March that they just get the fight done and then it takes place ideally in the first half of next year."
READ MORE: Tyson Fury vs Derek Chisora 3: Dan Rafael predicts 'epic mismatch'
Will Tyson Fury fight Oleksandr Usyk next?
Fury will get his long-awaited shot at becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999 according to his promoter Frank Warren.
He previously said: "I think he’ll fight Tyson provided he comes through on December 3 and then those four belts will be there if Tyson wins that fight with Usyk and then they’ve got to work out what they want to do with the belts.
“That’s the reason we’re doing this because I don’t want him out of the ring for over a year.
“It’ll be at the end of February or early March. I don’t know yet. We’re working on various sites at the moment.”
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