Oleksandr Usyk’s supervisor has dismissed Tyson Fury’s name for a 3rd battle with the Ukrainian amid continued doubt over an all-British heavyweight showdown with Anthony Joshua.
With protracted negotiations over a long-awaited Fury-Joshua bout being held up by a dispute over the place the battle would happen, Fury took to social media on Monday to say he was in search of a brand new opponent.
Fury mentioned he desires a 3rd battle with Usyk, who grew to become undisputed heavyweight champion as he beat Fury twice on factors in 2024.
Responding to Fury’s feedback in an announcement given to Sky Sports activities Information on Monday night, Usyk’s supervisor Sergey Lapin mentioned: “Usyk just isn’t Tyson’s backup plan.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Boxing commentator Adam Smith is assured the British mega-fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury can nonetheless be agreed in time to happen this 12 months
“If Fury wants an opponent, he ought to go to the Able to Combat platform. They may help him discover a worthy opponent there.
“Oleksandr is at all times open to large challenges. However critical intentions are backed by a concrete provide, not statements within the press.”
Usyk introduced in June that he was vacating the three heavyweight belts he nonetheless held on the time, however the 39-year-old mentioned he was not but retiring, and has not too long ago been linked with a battle towards Deontay Wilder.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has known as for Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to battle in London
Usyk, who holds an ideal 25-0 skilled document, claimed successive wins over Joshua in 2021 and 2022, however has develop into a part of the Brit’s coaching workforce over the past 12 months.
Each Joshua and Fury have signed particular person contracts for what was slated to be a November contest, however have but to agree on the place the battle will happen, with hypothesis suggesting it might be held in New York Metropolis.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn says he and his fighter need the competition to happen in London, whereas Fury says his rival is attempting to keep away from a bout that has been greater than a decade within the making.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Eddie Hearn claimed that Anthony Joshua feels a accountability to UK battle followers that AJ vs Fury ought to occur within the UK
“It will solely lead me to a battle with Oleksandr Usyk,” Fury mentioned in a video posted on Instagram.
“Oleksandr you are his [Joshua’s] coach and his sensei and he’s weak minded… and that he would by no means battle the Gypsy King which you have got had the center to do twice.
“You bought the selections final time, truthful play to you. Good luck to you, let’s do it once more. Let’s run it again in November. The ball is now in your courtroom… do you wish to battle me this 12 months, 2026, or are you calling it quits?
“Let me know as a result of I’m now in search of a brand new opponent.”