Oleksandr Usyk's representative has firmly turned down Tyson Fury's suggestion that he could serve as a fallback opponent for the much‑anticipated heavyweight showdown with Anthony Joshua. The comment comes amid lingering uncertainty over the all‑British title bout, which has been stalled by a protracted dispute over the venue.
Negotiations for the long‑awaited Fury‑Joshua clash have dragged on for months, largely because the two camps cannot agree on a location for the fight. While Fury has been vocal about his desire to fight in the United States, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn insists the bout belong in London. With the stalemate showing no signs of breaking, Fury took to his social media platforms on Monday to announce that he was actively seeking a new challenger. In his post, the former unified champion expressed a clear preference for a third encounter with Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian who captured the undisputed heavyweight crown after out‑pointing Fury twice in 2024.
Fury’s statement was a direct appeal to the man who had handed him two narrow defeats, indicating that he still sees Usyk as the most compelling opponent to test his abilities. Usyk’s manager, Sergey Lapin, responded to the claim in a statement provided to Sky Sports News later that evening. Lapin was unequivocal: “Oleksandr is not a backup plan for Tyson.” He went on to suggest that if Fury truly needed an opponent, he should explore the Ready to Fight platform, a service that matches boxers with suitable adversaries.
“A genuine fight offer must be concrete and backed by a serious proposal, not just press‑room sound bites,” Lapin added. The Ukrainian champion, who announced in June that he would relinquish the three heavyweight titles he still possessed at the time, clarified that he has no intention of retiring. At 39 years old, Usyk remains an active figure in the heavyweight division and has recently been linked to a potential bout with Deontay Wilder.
With a flawless 25‑0 professional record, Usyk has already demonstrated his ability to dominate the division, having defeated Joshua in consecutive fights in 2021 and 2022. Over the past year, however, he has also taken on a role within Joshua’s training camp, offering strategic advice and sparring support.
Both Joshua and Fury have signed individual contracts for a fight originally slated for November, yet the disagreement over the venue persists. Rumors abound that the bout could be staged in New York City, a compromise that might satisfy both parties, but no definitive agreement has been reached.
Hearn maintains that a London venue is essential for his fighter’s legacy, while Fury accuses Joshua of attempting to dodge a fight that has been in the making for more than a decade. In a video posted to Instagram, Fury directly addressed Usyk, stating, “If this venue impasse continues, the only logical next step is a fight with Oleksandr.” He went on to criticize Joshua’s camp, implying that Joshua’s team is reluctant to face the “Gypsy King,” a nickname Fury uses for himself.
Fury praised Usyk for the decisions he secured in their previous meetings, adding, “Fair play to you, Oleksandr. Let’s do it again.
Let’s schedule a November rematch. The ball is now in your court—do you want to fight me this year, 2026, or are you calling it quits?” Fury concluded by reiterating his search for a new opponent, underscoring his frustration with the ongoing negotiations. The exchange highlights the complex web of egos, business interests, and national pride that characterizes heavyweight boxing today. While Fury appears eager to secure a high‑profile fight, Usyk’s camp is careful to protect the Ukrainian’s brand and legacy, refusing to be cast as a mere contingency.
The broader context of this saga reflects the shifting dynamics in the heavyweight landscape. Since the retirement of long‑standing champions, the division has seen a rapid turnover of titleholders, with Usyk, Fury, and Joshua each holding various belts at different times. The demand for a definitive, unifying bout has never been higher, as fans worldwide crave a clear champion.
If a resolution cannot be reached soon, the likelihood of alternative match‑ups increases. Usyk’s potential clash with Deontay Wilder, for instance, would generate significant interest, pitting two power‑punchers with contrasting styles against each other. Meanwhile, Fury could explore other avenues, such as a return to the UK to face a rising contender or even a crossover event in a different combat sport. For now, the heavyweight hierarchy remains in a state of flux.
Both promoters and fighters are weighing the financial implications of venue selection, broadcast rights, and ticket sales. The outcome of these negotiations will not only determine the immediate future of the Fury‑Joshua rivalry but also shape the trajectory of the division for years to come.
In summary, Usyk’s team has made it clear that they will not entertain being a secondary option for Fury. They demand a serious, well‑defined proposal and emphasize that any future fight must be built on mutual respect and genuine competitive intent. As the calendar inches toward the end of the year, the boxing world watches closely, hoping that the stalemate will finally give way to a marquee event that lives up to the hype and settles the question of who truly stands atop the heavyweight throne.