Unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk wants one last fight with Tyson Fury.
The rivalry between Usyk and Fury has already spanned two fights. Usyk defeated Fury in 2024 to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion and defeated Fury in a rematch later that year.
Fury then retired for the remainder of 2025, but returned to the sport. The former world titlist could clash in his third match with Usyk.
The heavyweight champion expects this to be the last fight of his career. “In my head, Tyson Fury, this is the last dance,” Usyk told The Associated Press.
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Rico Verhoeven is set to fight Oleksandr Usyk for the WBC heavyweight title, and relive the moment in 2015 when Verhoeven sparred with Tyson Fury in the run-up to his victory over Wladimir Klitschko.
Both fights between Usyk and Fury took place in Riyadh, but it is unclear whether the trilogy will be completed in Saudi Arabia. The Iran war has caused chaos in the Middle East. For example, F1 plans to cancel its Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia in April due to the conflict.
“Given the situation that is unfolding in the world right now, my job is just to be ready for whatever is coming,” Usyk said of fighting again in Saudi Arabia. “Organizers will then decide where the show can take place in a way that is safe for all participants and spectators.”
The Ukrainian fighter is scheduled to defend his WBC title against kickboxing superstar Rico Verhoeven in Egypt in May.
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Muay Thai fighter Liam Harrison believes no one can beat Oleksandr Usyk in boxing as kickboxer Rico Verhoeven sets up a title fight.
The 39-year-old then said he would like to face the winner of Fabio Wardley’s WBO title fight and Daniel Dubois before wrapping up his career against Fury.
Frank Warren, who promotes Fury, Wardley and Dubois, previously told Sky Sports:
“There’s a lot of frustration because Fabio wanted it (the previous Usyk fight). But the fact that Oleksandr has come out and said he wants both winners is very encouraging. And certainly for both of them, it gives them a lot of motivation.”
“We have a great relationship with him and if we can do some business, we will definitely do it.”
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Frank Warren reveals whether Fabio Wardley or Daniel Dubois will fight Oleksandr Usyk.
Russia’s ban should be maintained
Usyk is a great champion representing Ukraine on the world stage. The 2012 London Olympic gold medalist is an undisputed fighter at cruiserweight, a two-time heavyweight and has never lost a professional bout.
He is adamant that the sports world should not soften its stance on Russia’s participation since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
At the Winter Paralympic Games, Russian athletes are allowed to compete under their country’s flag.
Usyk and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Usyk urged the International Olympic Committee not to follow suit. “My opinion hasn’t changed. This shouldn’t happen,” he told The Associated Press. “Those who support the murder of others, the bombing of civilian cities, hospitals, schools, and anything else, should not have the right to participate in the Olympics.
“The Olympics were founded as a game of peace,” he continued. “But now people who commit murder or fire missiles at other countries on the orders of others are allowed to participate in sports – it’s completely absurd.
“If someone goes and fights on orders from the commander-in-chief, they can’t go to a sporting event and represent their country. Let them continue to be soldiers, because they kill at night and compete as athletes in the morning. That simply doesn’t make sense.”
