Neither Tyson Fury nor Oleksandr Usyk wanted to be drawn into their next move immediately after Saturday’s world championship bout.
Usyk defended his unified WBO, WBA and WBC heavyweight titles when he lost to Fury via unanimous decision, repeating the victory he secured earlier this year in May.
It was a bitter result for Fury to swallow. The Briton was adamant that he deserved the decision, but after two consecutive losses to the same opponent, Fury will likely have to go in a different direction. The touted trilogy with Usyk has lost its luster, though exciting competitions held at the highest level were just around the corner.
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Tyson Fury gives his verdict shortly after losing to Oleksandr Usyk
Fury didn’t speculate on whether he would even box again. “I might, I might not,” he said in his post-fight press conference. “I’m going home and resting.”
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Tyson Fury shares his honest thoughts after second loss to Oleksandr Usyk
But there are other attractive options for him besides Usyk, not least because he has a ready opponent in Britain’s Anthony Joshua.
Top Rank’s Bob Arum, who is Fury’s co-promoter, told Sky Sports the fight could and should take place in the UK.
“That fight needs to take place in the UK at Wembley, that’s where it belongs. Otherwise, if you keep taking these big fights outside the local area, you’re doing a disservice to the sport and the excitement it brings.” sports,” Arum said.
“Wembley is pointless”.
Could Tyson Fury clash with Anthony Joshua in a long-hyped all-British fight?
“It’s a fight that the UK fans want, regardless of what the guys have done in the ring recently. Depending on what other fights are coming up, maybe down the line or maybe somewhere If not, we’ll have to see.”
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn agrees the Fury fight could sell out Wembley Stadium, he told Sky Sports.
“This is definitely the only fight for Tyson Fury, and other than the Dubois rematch, it’s obviously the only fight for AJ. Knowing how disappointing Fury is going to be, I don’t think it’s time to call it quits.
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Johnny Nelson reflects on Tyson Fury’s loss to Alexander Usyk and believes his next move will not be a fight with Anthony Joshua.
“Has there ever been a better time? They’re both losing, both at the end of their careers. One at Wembley, one at Riyadh, two fights in 2025.”
Ukraine’s Usyk is no longer undisputed, having forfeited his IBF belt to pursue this rematch with Fury, but he is still undefeated and still #1 in the division.
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Daniel Dubois demands a rematch with Alexander Usyk after the Ukrainian’s victory over Tyson Fury.
Already the undisputed two-weight champion, Usyk could become a three-time champion if he fights the winner of Daniel Dubois’ fight with Joseph Parker.
His legacy, however, is secure. He has already defeated Dubois in the 2023 World Championship fight, stopping him at the distance as well.
Usik could leave the sport as a legend if he wanted to.
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Watch highlights from Oleksandr Usyk’s press conference, where he discusses his win over Tyson Fury, his fight with Daniel Dubois and wanting to take a break from boxing.
“Usick will sit back and enjoy Christmas. Daniel Dubois is a great option if he gets past Joseph Parker,” said former world champion and Sky Sports pundit Johnny Nelson.
“The world is Usyk’s oyster, so he’ll go where the biggest money is, he’ll have to capitalize on the position he’s got.
“But who is there? IBF champion Daniel Dubois. But Usyk is going to wait that long because Daniel Dubois has to fight first. I don’t think he’s going to drop down from cruiserweight.”
Sky Sports commentator Andy Clark suggested. “Ride off into the sunset. What a career, what an ambassador for the sport, he’s done all he can do.
“335 wins and 15 losses as an amateur, one of which was in his first fight. Cruiser and undisputed heavyweight champion. What else to do? Nothing to do. Just get out now.
“He is in good health,” he concluded. “Just come out on top.”
Replays of the big heavyweight rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will be shown on Sunday 22 December from 8am and 6pm on Sky Sports Box Office. Book Usyk vs Fury 2 repeats now.
