Oleksandr Usyk has laid down what punishment awaits Tyson Fury should he pull out of their upcoming rematch.

Fury tasted defeat for the first time as a professional boxer when Usyk claimed a split decision victory at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia earlier this year in May.

It also saw the Gypsy King lose his WBC heavyweight title with the IBF, WBO and IBO titles also up for grabs – making Usyk the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years.

But Usyk only won by the narrowest of margins and a rematch has been scheduled for December 21 in what could be one of the best fights of the year.

And the Ukrainian has revealed Fury faces huge financial punishments should he pull out of the upcoming contest.

When asked if he worried about his opponent being postponed, Usyk said: “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.

“If he pulls out on December 21, he’ll lose all his dividends and money and won’t remain a man of his word anymore.”

Fury is desperate to return with a bang and win back his belts when he faces Usyk again in December.

However, the original bout was initially scheduled for February before the Briton suffered a brutal blow to his face in training in the build-up.

Fury required 11 stitches to his face and was now allowed to enter the ring until the injury had healed up, leading to a three-month pushback.

The 36-year-old has been training for his rematch since June – just a month after his defeat to Usyk.

However, Usyk might be the slight favourite to beat Fury again when they face off in Saudi Arabia for the second time.