Oleksandr Usyk's representative has firmly rejected the suggestion made by Tyson Fury that he could act as a contingency opponent for a potential bout with Anthony Joshua, underscoring that Usyk is not a filler option for any heavyweight showdown. The statement came amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the much‑anticipated all‑British heavyweight clash between Fury and Joshua, a fight that has been stalled for months due to disagreements over the venue. The backdrop to this development is the protracted negotiation process for the Fury‑Joshua encounter, which has been hampered by a dispute over the location of the event. While both fighters have signed individual contracts for a November date, they have yet to reach consensus on whether the bout should take place in London, as champion promoter Eddie Hearn prefers, or in another city such as New York, which has been floated as a possible neutral ground.
This stalemate prompted Fury to turn to social media on Monday, where he announced that he was actively seeking a new opponent should the venue issue remain unresolved. In his post, Fury expressed a desire to fight Usyk for a third time, recalling that the Ukrainian had already bested him twice in 2024, securing the undisputed heavyweight titles on both occasions via split‑decision victories. Fury’s public overture was framed as a request for a high‑profile, competitive matchup that would keep the heavyweight division exciting, even if the original Joshua fight fell through. Usyk’s manager, Sergey Lapin, responded later that evening in a press briefing with Sky Sports News, making it clear that Usyk would not be treated as a fallback plan.
Lapin said, "Usyk is not Tyson's backup plan. If Fury needs an opponent, he should consult the Ready to Fight platform, where he can be matched with a suitable challenger. Oleksandr is always ready for significant tests, but any serious proposal must be backed by a concrete offer, not just media speculation." The manager’s remarks also touched on Usyk’s recent career decisions.
In June, Usyk announced that he would vacate the three heavyweight belts he still possessed at the time, a move that sparked speculation about his future in the sport. Despite relinquishing the titles, the 39‑year‑old did not indicate an intention to retire.
Instead, he has been linked to a potential fight with former champion Deontay Wilder, suggesting that he remains eager to face top‑tier opponents. Usyk’s professional record stands at an immaculate 25‑0, a testament to his dominance in the division. He previously defeated Joshua in two consecutive fights in 2021 and 2022, victories that have cemented his reputation as a formidable adversary.
Over the past year, however, Usyk has also taken on a mentorship role within the British boxing community, joining Joshua’s training camp and offering strategic insight. The ongoing saga between Fury and Joshua has become a focal point for heavyweight fans worldwide.
Both fighters have signed contracts for a November showdown, yet the venue remains a contentious issue. Eddie Hearn, representing Joshua, insists that the fight should be staged in London, emphasizing the historic significance of a British heavyweight clash on home soil. Fury, on the other hand, has hinted that Joshua’s camp might be attempting to sidestep a bout that has been in the making for more than a decade, suggesting that the British fighter is reluctant to meet the challenge. In a video posted on Instagram, Fury directly addressed the situation, stating, "This will only lead me to a fight with Oleksandr Usyk.
Oleksandr, you’re Joshua’s trainer and his sensei, and you know he is weak‑minded… and that he would never fight the Gypsy King, which you have had the guts to do twice. You got the decisions last time, fair play to you. Good luck to you, let’s do it again.
Let’s run it back in November. The ball is now in your court… do you want to fight me this year, 2026, or are you calling it quits? Let me know because I am now looking for a new opponent." Fury’s message was a clear indication that he is prepared to move forward with a new opponent if the Joshua fight cannot be finalized. He framed his request for a third encounter with Usyk as both a challenge and a statement of confidence, implying that a repeat of their previous contests would be a worthy spectacle for boxing fans.
Lapin’s response, however, underscored that any future bout involving Usyk must be predicated on a serious, financially viable offer. He suggested that Fury explore the Ready to Fight platform, a service that matches fighters based on rankings, marketability, and logistical considerations. This suggestion indicates that Usyk’s camp is not interested in being used as a placeholder; they seek a mutually beneficial arrangement that respects Usyk’s status as an undisputed champion. The broader implications of this standoff are significant for the heavyweight division.
If Fury and Joshua cannot resolve their venue dispute, the sport may see a reshuffling of marquee matchups, with Usyk potentially stepping into a new high‑profile fight, perhaps against Wilder or another top contender. Such a development would maintain fan interest and ensure that the heavyweight titles remain active and contested. In summary, Usyk’s manager has categorically denied that the Ukrainian champion will serve as a backup plan for Tyson Fury’s potential opponent search.
While Fury continues to seek a suitable challenger, he must present a concrete proposal to Usyk’s camp if he wishes to secure a third bout. Meanwhile, the unresolved venue negotiations between Fury and Joshua leave the future of their anticipated November clash in limbo, opening the door for alternative heavyweight matchups that could shape the landscape of the sport for years to come.