The boxing stars seemingly settled their rivalry in 2024 with two historic fights – but Fury has long called for a third meeting ever since
Oleksandr Usyk admits he would consider fighting Tyson Fury for a third time – as long as it’s for the undisputed title again.
The two stars have been embroiled in a heated rivalry over the years, which resulted in two blockbuster 2024 showdowns. In their first meeting, the Ukrainian got the nod on points following an epic back-and-forth dust-up with the Brit, and in doing so, became the undisputed world champion.
Seven months later, the pair traded leather yet again and the outcome was no different after Usyk edged yet another tight contest. Just weeks after the sequel, the ‘Gypsy King’ announced his retirement from the sport – only to perform a major U-turn just months later.
Fury, 37, has long called for a trilogy fight with his long-time adversary, as long as it takes place in the United Kingdom following their two Saudi encounters. Back in October, though, Fury was handed a slight blow after Usyk’s advisor, Serhii Lapin, seemed to close the door on yet another heavyweight clash. ”Theoretically, it’s an interesting option, but for whom?” Lapin told the Ring. “If boxing fans truly support it, then maybe. However, in my opinion, that chapter is already closed.”
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READ MORE: Oleksandr Usyk could fight Deontay Wilder in front of world-record crowd
During a recent interview with Ready to Fight, Usyk – who turned 39 this past weekend – is aiming for a big 2026 in the ring after revealing he will continue to fight for another two years. After he appeared disinterested in a third contest with his British rival, the Ukrainian is now open, as long as there’s undisputed glory on the line again. “Why not, but only if it’s a fight for the undisputed status again,” he said.
Fury has been training over in Thailand these past few weeks in a bid to get fight ready, and is aiming to have a tune-up fight booked before the end of April ahead of a potential mammoth fight in the summer. During a recent video uploaded to Instagram, Fury sent his fans into meltdown after hinting that a major announcement, seemingly regarding his return, is imminent. He said: “Just done a brutal, brutal session here. Second session of the day, I’m not gonna lie that was tough.
“Did a good 12 rounds in the gym, it was about 34-35 degrees, sweating alive! I’ve got my electrolytes here to get all the goodness back in my body after sweating it all out. It’s been a really positive day again. I suppose when you wake up in 30 degrees everyday it’s definitely going to be positive.
“I’m very motivated, very happy, and I’m in a fantastic, fantastic place mentally, physically and emotionally. Just working on stuff nice and steady. The return of the Mac is imminent. Can’t wait for a fantastic, beautiful year.” He captioned the footage: “Work update 2026 lets go, massive announcement incoming.”
Fury may have to wait his turn for yet another crack at Usyk, after the latter expressed interest in a clash with Deontay Wilder – which could take place in front of a record crowd. Having defeated the two biggest names of his generation, Fury and Anthony Joshua, the 39-year-old wants to add the ‘Bronze Bomber’ to his glittering CV.
“First of all, it’s the USA — I want to box in America. Secondly, Wilder has been at the top for the last 10 years. This is about sporting interest. In the “big three,” there were Joshua, Fury, and Wilder. I beat Joshua twice, I beat Fury twice, and one unbeaten one remains — Wilder,” he revealed.
Stunning reports recently emerged that San Francisco is planning to stage a world-record boxing event – with up to 150,000 fans permitted to watch live. YouTube is spearheading the aforementioned plans. The project, which was announced last Friday, will form part of the ‘Iconic’ series, set to include a wide range of events throughout the year from IVisit Boxing.
The promoters are pushing for Usyk to be involved – despite the fight card not being finalised yet. Organisers are expected to turn San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza into an ‘open-air boxing arena,’ with the ring constructed in front of the City Hall. Much to the delight of fans, the vast majority of tickets are set to be available at no cost.
IVB chief Ed Pereira told the Mail: “We are open to working with all promoters, managers, content creators and fighters, so of course we’d be open to speaking to boxer of that calibre, who wouldn’t want Usyk on their card? It’s going to be more than just a fight. What attracted us to YouTube, and YouTube to us, was that commitment to cultural moments.
“It’s all about creating a cultural moment – a cultural moment in the city of San Francisco, a cultural moment in California, and a cultural moment for the world. Anybody can go and put a show on and just produce it live on their own YouTube channel… but we are doing exactly the same as what the NFL did.
“This partnership with YouTube puts us in the next league. Boxing fans want to see the biggest fights and they want to see the biggest fights on the biggest stages. But, ultimately, I want to make it accessible to the casual fan… and everyone has YouTube on their phones.”
