Oleksandr Usyk has made his position clear: he isn’t going to be Tyson Fury’s backup plan.
The former undisputed heavyweight champion was called out by Fury after Fury claimed his highly anticipated fight with Anthony Joshua was falling apart. Fury immediately turned his attention toward Usyk, calling for a third fight between the two heavyweight stars.
But Usyk’s camp wasn’t interested in being Plan B.
Fury Turns His Attention to Usyk
Fury and Joshua have been trying to finalize their long-awaited all-British heavyweight showdown, but negotiations have become complicated by disagreements over the location.
Fury claimed Joshua was backing out of the fight and said he was now looking for another opponent. That led to Fury calling for a trilogy fight with Usyk.
Fury and Usyk have already shared the ring twice, with Usyk winning both fights in 2024.
Now Fury wants another opportunity.
Usyk’s Camp Pushes Back
Usyk’s manager, Sergey Lapin, quickly made it clear that Fury’s approach wasn’t going to work.
Lapin said Usyk is “not Tyson’s back-up plan” and added that serious intentions need to be backed by a concrete offer rather than public statements.
The message couldn’t have been clearer.
If Fury genuinely wants a third fight with Usyk, he will have to make a serious offer and negotiate directly rather than simply turning to Usyk after his plans with Joshua hit trouble.
Usyk Has Already Beaten Fury Twice
There is also plenty of history between the two fighters.
Usyk defeated Fury twice in 2024, first by decision before winning their rematch later that year. The victories established Usyk as the better fighter in their rivalry and cemented his place among the greatest heavyweights of his generation.
Usyk has since vacated his heavyweight titles but has indicated that he intends to have another major fight before eventually retiring. His team has also previously suggested that another Fury fight isn’t necessarily a priority.
Could We Still See Fury vs. Usyk III?
Never say never in boxing.
If Fury and Joshua cannot finalize their fight, a third meeting with Usyk would undoubtedly be one of the biggest fights available to Fury.
But Usyk isn’t going to simply wait around.
Fury may want a trilogy, but Usyk has made one thing clear: he will not be treated as a replacement opponent. If Fury really wants Usyk for a third time, he’ll have to prove it with a serious offer.
