Oleksandr Usyk’s camp has firmly dismissed Tyson Fury’s suggestion that a third encounter with the Ukrainian could serve as a contingency while negotiations over a long‑awaited all‑British heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua remain stalled. The ongoing dispute centers on the venue for the much‑anticipated Fury‑Joshua showdown, and as the talks drag on, Fury turned to social media on Monday to announce that he is actively seeking a new opponent. In his post, Fury expressed a desire to line up a third fight with Usyk, the Ukrainian who secured the undisputed heavyweight crown after out‑scoring Fury twice on the judges’ cards in 2024. Usyk’s representative, Sergey Lapin, responded to the British champion’s remarks in a statement to Sky Sports News on Monday evening.
Lapin made it clear that Usyk is not a fallback option for Fury, stating, “Usyk is not Tyson’s backup plan. If Fury needs an opponent, he should go to the Ready to Fight platform, where he can be matched with a suitable challenger.” Lapin continued, emphasizing that while Oleksandr remains open to taking on significant challenges, any genuine interest must be accompanied by a concrete proposal rather than vague media soundbites.
He added, “Serious intentions are backed by a solid offer, not by statements in the press.” Earlier this year, Usyk announced that he would relinquish the three heavyweight titles he still possessed, a move that sparked speculation about his future in the sport. However, the 39‑year‑old did not signal retirement; instead, rumors have linked him to a potential bout with Deontay Wilder, suggesting that he is still keen on testing himself against top‑tier opposition.
Usyk boasts an immaculate 25‑0 professional record and has previously claimed victories over Joshua in 2021 and 2022. Over the past year, he has also taken on a role within Joshua’s training camp, further intertwining the narratives of the two British heavyweights.
Both Joshua and Fury have signed individual contracts for a fight that was originally slated for November, yet they remain at odds over the location. Some reports hint that the bout could be staged in New York City, while Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has been vocal about his desire to see the fight take place in London. Fury, on the other hand, accuses his rival of trying to dodge a contest that has been in the making for more than a decade.
In an Instagram video, Fury declared, “This will only lead me to a fight with Oleksandr Usyk.” He went on to address Usyk directly, noting, “Oleksandr, you’re Joshua’s trainer and his sensei, and you know he’s weak‑minded… he would never fight the Gypsy King, which you have the courage to do twice.” Fury praised the decisions that gave him the victories in their previous encounters, saying, “You got the decisions last time, fair play to you. Good luck, 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?” He concluded by stating that he is now looking for a new opponent. The exchange highlights the tangled web of negotiations, ego, and strategic positioning that currently defines the heavyweight division. With the Fury‑Joshua fight still without a confirmed venue, both fighters are exploring alternative options to keep their momentum and marketability high.
Fury’s public overture to Usyk serves as both a challenge and a warning, signaling that he will not remain idle while the talks drag on. Meanwhile, Usyk’s camp remains steadfast, refusing to be cast as a mere placeholder and demanding a legitimate, binding offer before committing to any further bouts with Fury. As the heavyweight landscape continues to evolve, fans and promoters alike are left watching closely.
The potential for a Fury‑Usyk showdown remains tantalizing, yet the logistics and financial terms must align for it to become a reality. Until then, the heavyweight hierarchy hangs in a delicate balance, with each champion maneuvering for the best possible path forward while navigating the complex interplay of pride, legacy, and lucrative opportunities.