Oleksandr Usyk's representative has firmly rejected Tyson Fury's recent suggestion that he could serve as a fallback opponent for the long‑awaited heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua. The comment comes amid ongoing negotiations that have stalled over the venue for a fight that many fans have been anticipating for years. The stalemate over the Fury‑Joshua showdown has been tied to a dispute about the location of the bout. While both fighters have signed individual contracts for a November date, they have yet to agree on a city, with New York being floated as a possible neutral ground.
Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, has been vocal about wanting the fight to happen in London, whereas Fury has accused his British rival of trying to dodge a contest that has been in the making for over a decade. In the midst of this impasse, Fury turned to his social media platforms on Monday to announce that he was actively seeking a new opponent should the negotiations continue to falter. In a video posted to Instagram, Fury stated that he was interested in a third encounter with Usyk, the Ukrainian who became the undisputed heavyweight champion after defeating Fury twice on points in 2024. Fury's message was clear: if a fight with Joshua could not be arranged, he would look to settle the score with Usyk once more.
Usyk's camp responded quickly. In a statement delivered to Sky Sports News on Monday evening, Usyk's manager Sergey Lapin dismissed Fury's overture as nothing more than a publicity stunt. "Usyk is not Tyson's backup plan," Lapin said, adding that if Fury truly needed an opponent, he should turn to the Ready to Fight platform, which specializes in matching boxers with suitable challengers. "Oleksander is always open to big challenges, but serious intentions are backed by a concrete offer, not by statements in the press," Lapin continued.
The manager's remarks underscore a broader strategic approach taken by Usyk's team. In June, the 39‑year‑old champion announced that he would vacate the three heavyweight titles he still held at the time, a move that many interpreted as a signal that he was ready to explore new opportunities beyond the traditional championship pathways. However, Usyk made it clear that he was not retiring; instead, he has been linked with a potential bout against former champion Deontay Wilder, adding another intriguing matchup to the heavyweight landscape.
Usyk's professional record remains flawless at 25‑0, a testament to his consistency and skill. He has already secured victories over Joshua in 2021 and 2022, albeit those fights were contested at the amateur level, and his relationship with the British fighter has evolved over the past year, with Usyk even joining Joshua's training team in a supportive capacity.
This unique dynamic adds another layer of complexity to any potential future meeting between the two heavyweights. Fury's Instagram video also contained a direct challenge to Usyk, accusing him of being Joshua's trainer and suggesting that Joshua is "weak‑minded" for avoiding the Gypsy King. Fury claimed that he had already earned two decision victories over Usyk and urged him to accept a rematch in November, stating, "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." While Fury's rhetoric is typical of the sport's promotional theatrics, the underlying issue remains the unresolved venue dispute.
If the two sides cannot agree on a location, the fight could be pushed further into the future or potentially collapse altogether, leaving both camps to pursue alternative opponents. For Fury, a backup plan could involve a third fight with Usyk, but Lapin's response makes it clear that any such arrangement would require a formal, mutually agreeable contract rather than a casual press declaration. The heavyweight division continues to be in flux, with multiple high‑profile names seeking the next big payday. Aside from the Fury‑Joshua saga, the prospect of a Usyk‑Wilder clash adds intrigue, as does the possibility of Usyk eventually returning to face Joshua again under different circumstances.
As negotiations drag on, fans and promoters alike are left watching closely, waiting to see whether the historic British showdown will finally materialize or whether the sport will pivot to new, equally compelling matchups. In summary, Usyk's management has categorically denied that he is a fallback option for Tyson Fury, emphasizing that any legitimate fight must be based on a solid, written offer. Fury, meanwhile, remains vocal about his desire for a third encounter with the Ukrainian champion, while also keeping the door open for other opponents if the Joshua fight remains stalled.
The situation highlights the complex interplay of ego, business, and logistics that defines modern heavyweight boxing, and the next few weeks will likely determine which narrative ultimately prevails.