Oleksandr Usyk’s camp has firmly rejected Tyson Fury’s recent suggestion that the Ukrainian champion could serve as a fallback opponent for Anthony Joshua, underscoring that Usyk is not a secondary option in any heavyweight showdown. The comment came amid ongoing deadlock in negotiations for the long‑awaited clash between Fury and Joshua, a fight that has been stalled for months due to a dispute over the venue. While the two British heavyweights have signed individual contracts for a November date, they remain at odds about where the bout should be staged, with Fury hinting at a possible New York setting and Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn insisting on London. In a Monday‑night statement to Sky Sports News, Usyk’s manager Sergey Lapin made it clear that the Ukrainian champion will not be treated as a “plan B” for Fury.
“Usyk is not Tyson’s backup plan,” Lapin said, adding that if Fury is truly in need of an opponent, he should turn to the Ready to Fight platform, which can match fighters based on merit and marketability. Lapin emphasized that while Oleksandr is always eager to accept major challenges, any genuine interest must be accompanied by a concrete, serious offer rather than vague media soundbites.
The backdrop to this exchange is the complicated history between the three men. Usyk, who captured the undisputed heavyweight crown in 2024 by outpointing Fury twice, has maintained an unbeaten 25‑0 record and is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most technically gifted champions. Earlier in June, he announced his intention to vacate the three heavyweight titles he still possessed, a move that sparked speculation about his future plans. Although he has not declared retirement, rumors have linked him to a possible showdown with former champion Deontay Wilder, indicating that he remains open to high‑profile fights.
Fury, for his part, used social media on Monday to signal that he is actively seeking a new opponent if the Joshua deal falls through. In an Instagram video, the British Gypsy King proclaimed his desire for a third encounter with Usyk, reminding viewers that he had already beaten the Ukrainian twice on points in 2024. Fury’s remarks were peppered with personal jabs aimed at Joshua’s camp, suggesting that Joshua’s team is reluctant to face him after a decade‑long build‑up. He challenged Usyk directly, stating, “The ball is now in your court… do you want to fight me this year, 2026, or are you calling it quits?” and warned that he is prepared to move on to another opponent if a deal cannot be reached.
The tension over the venue has become the central obstacle to the Fury‑Joshua bout. Fury has hinted that a New York location could be on the table, a proposition that would likely generate massive pay‑per‑view revenue but also raise logistical and regulatory questions.
Joshua’s camp, led by promoter Eddie Hearn, has repeatedly asserted that the fight should be held in London, arguing that the British heavyweight deserves a home‑soil showdown. This standoff has left both fighters in a state of limbo, with fans and pundits debating the merits of each potential site.
Meanwhile, Usyk’s position remains that he will entertain any serious challenge, but only if it comes with a clear, mutually agreed‑upon arrangement. Lapin’s reference to the Ready to Fight platform underscores a growing trend in boxing where fighters and managers use digital matchmaking services to streamline negotiations, bypassing traditional promoters when necessary.
This approach could provide Fury with a viable alternative opponent, should he decide to abandon the Joshua pursuit. In addition to the immediate drama, the broader heavyweight landscape is evolving. With Usyk’s decision to relinquish his belts, the division may see a reshuffling of title opportunities, opening doors for other contenders like Oleksandr’s former sparring partners, rising stars such as Tyson’s own son Tyson Fury Jr., or even a potential Wilder‑Usyk clash that could reignite interest in the sport.
The possibility of a Fury‑Usyk trilogy also looms, offering a narrative arc that could captivate audiences worldwide if both parties can agree on terms. Overall, the latest statements from both camps highlight the complex interplay of ego, business, and sporting ambition that defines modern heavyweight boxing. While Fury appears eager to keep his options open and pressure Joshua’s camp, Usyk’s team is resolute in refusing to be cast as a mere contingency. As negotiations continue and the calendar for 2026 approaches, fans can expect further developments, press conferences, and perhaps a decisive move by one of the parties to either lock in a venue for the historic Fury‑Joshua encounter or to forge a new marquee matchup that could reshape the heavyweight hierarchy.