What next for Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk? | Will Fury face Anthony Joshua and could Usyk retire?
After Saturday's championship match, neither Tyson Fury nor Oleksandr Usyk revealed what their next steps would be.
Usyk successfully defended his unified WBO, WBA, and WBC heavyweight titles by defeating Fury in a unanimous decision, mirroring the win he achieved back in May of this year.
Fury found the outcome hard to accept. The British fighter firmly believed he deserved to win, but after suffering two defeats to the same rival, he will probably need to seek a different path. The anticipated third match with Usyk has lost some of its appeal, despite both of their previous bouts being intense, closely contested battles of the highest caliber.
For a better experience with the video player, we recommend using the Chrome browser.
Fury didn't want to guess if he would return to boxing in the future. "I might, or I might not," he mentioned during his post-fight press conference. "I'm heading home to take a break."
For a better video playback experience, we recommend using the Chrome browser.
However, there are attractive alternatives for him beyond Usyk. One of the most notable is the immediate competition presented by Anthony Joshua from the UK.
Bob Arum from Top Rank, who co-promotes Fury, mentioned to Sky Sports that the fight is possible and should take place in the UK.
"The match should definitely take place at Wembley Stadium in the UK; that's the right venue for it. If we keep hosting these major fights away from the local scene, it undermines the sport and dampens the excitement it generates," Arum expressed.
Brad Jacobs, the COO of Top Rank, shared with Sky Sports: "UK fans are eager for this fight, no matter what the fighters have been up to in the ring lately. It all depends on what other matchups are scheduled; it could happen soon, later, or maybe not at all. We’ll just have to wait and see."
Eddie Hearn, who promotes Joshua, believes that a fight against Fury could completely sell out Wembley Stadium. "It would be a guaranteed sell-out," he said during an interview with Sky Sports.
This is certainly the top match for Tyson Fury, and aside from the rematch with Dubois, it's clearly the only option for AJ as well. Given the outcome of such a fight and how let down Fury will be, I believe now isn't the right moment to start making any decisions about the future.
For better access to the video player, we recommend using the Chrome browser.
"Is there a more perfect moment than this? Both fighters are coming off losses and nearing the end of their careers. One fight took place in Wembley, while the other happened in Riyadh, with two more bouts scheduled for 2025."
"I believe we mention this after each significant match, but Fury truly could use some time off. Being a family man, I know he’d want to spend Christmas with his loved ones. However, when it comes to boxing, this is the matchup we've all been hoping for. The fight against Anthony Joshua is more relevant now than ever," Frazer Clarke shared with Sky Sports News.
"I don't believe he'll give up. When a person's got that fighting spirit, it sticks with them. I think he'll keep pushing forward, and last night proved he has what it takes to continue. He wasn't completely outclassed; he just unfortunately fell short against a stronger opponent."
Although Ukraine’s Usyk is no longer the undisputed champion after giving up the IBF title to seek a rematch with Fury, he remains undefeated and is still regarded as the top fighter in his weight class.
For a better video playback experience, we recommend using the Chrome browser.
Having already achieved the status of undisputed champion in two weight classes, Usyk has the opportunity to become a three-weight undisputed champion if he competes against and defeats the winner of the fight between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker.
His legacy, on the other hand, is assured. He has already defeated Dubois in a world championship match in 2023, winning by knockout before the fight went the full distance.
Usyk could leave the sport as a legend if he chooses to do so.
For better video player functionality, we recommend using the Chrome browser.
"Usyk will take a break and celebrate Christmas. If Daniel Dubois can overcome Joseph Parker, he would be an excellent choice," commented former world champion and boxing analyst for Sky Sports, Johnny Nelson.
Usyk has endless opportunities ahead of him, and he will follow the path that offers the most financial reward. He needs to make the most of his current standing.
"Who’s in the mix? It’s IBF champion Daniel Dubois. The question is, will Usyk be willing to wait for him? Dubois needs to fight before anything else happens. I doubt Usyk would drop down to cruiserweight."
Sky Sports commentator Andy Clarke remarked, "It's time to ride off into the sunset. What an incredible career he has had and how much he has represented the sport. He has achieved everything possible."
With a record of 335 victories and 15 losses in amateur boxing—one of which occurred in his debut—he has achieved remarkable success. As an undisputed champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, he's reached the pinnacle of the sport. What more is there to accomplish? It seems there's nothing left; it might be time to walk away.
"He's in good health," he said in conclusion. "Just leave when you're at your peak."
You can catch the replay of the epic heavyweight rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury starting at 8 AM and then at 6 PM on Sunday, December 22, exclusively on Sky Sports Box Office. Make sure to reserve your access to Usyk vs Fury 2 replays today!
