Fury has called for a trilogy showdown since their two blockbuster fights in 2024, but the Ukrainian has finally addressed whether he will grant his rival a third fight
Oleksandr Usyk has ruled out a third showdown with long-time heavyweight rival Tyson Fury.
The pair first went head-to-head back in May 2024 for the undisputed title – with the Ukrainian going on to edge a razor-thin split decision. Seven months later, they were back in the ring with each other. Despite Fury’s fast start, it was not enough to get the job done as Usyk emerged victorious for a second time.
Just weeks after the sequel loss, Fury announced his shock retirement from boxing, only to perform a drastic U-turn several months later. The ‘Gypsy King’ is targeting a return to competitive action next year and wants a third crack at Usyk – but it seems as if the Ukrainian is not interested.
That is according to Usyk’s advisor, Serhii Lapin. ”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.”
Lapin added that Usyk’s recovery from a back injury he sustained is “going great.” Following his victory over Daniel Dubois in July, the Ukrainian boxer was ordered to defend his WBO belt against Joseph Parker or risk being stripped of the title. However, citing a back injury, Usyk and his team requested an extension.
The request was met with scepticism when a video emerged online of Usyk dancing at a concert. Following an investigation, the 38-year-old and his team were granted a 90-day extension. Despite being ordered to face Parker, the Kiwi sensation has since had a fight booked. He will take on Fabio Wardley in London this weekend – with the winner set to face Usyk in 2026.
Watch Parker vs Wardley live on DAZN
Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley will face off at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday, October 25.
Fans can order the full fight card on DAZN PPV for £24.99 and get one month’s free access to the entire DAZN platform with an annual plan or a seven-day trial.
Earlier this year, Usyk set out his retirement plan and claimed he had two more fights in him before officially calling it a day. However, earlier this month, the Ukrainian boxer – who turns 39 in January – stunned the boxing fraternity after admitting he will fight for another two years.
The Ukrainian heavyweight king revealed to UNN that he has returned to training amid talks of a return next year. “I train every day. Yesterday morning I arrived and immediately went to the training hall,” he said. “I train with the goal of entering the ring next year and, with God’s help, winning.” Usyk later revealed that he plans to retire at the age of 41 – performing a drastic U-turn, admitting: “I will box until I am 41. And then I will build a sports academy and train there, and I will train there.”
When is the next boxing fight?
Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley will go head-to-head on Saturday, October 25 at the O2 Arena in London. The main card is expected to get underway at around 5pm BST (12pm ET / 9am PT / 11am CT). In the main event, Wardley will likely make the walk to the ring first at 10pm BST (5pm ET / 2pm PT / 4pm CT) with Parker set to follow immediately after.
All of the action is set to be shown live on DAZN at a cost of £24.99. The popular streaming platform can be found as an additional subscription on TVs. It can also be streamed live on the official website or the downloadable app. A DAZN subscription is £119.99 or £14.99 per month, or £24.99 on a flexible commitment that can be cancelled at any point.
