Oleksandr Usyk, the unified heavyweight world champion, wants to have his final fight against Tyson Fury.
The rivalry between Usyk and Fury has already stretched over two fights. Usyk beat Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion in 2024 and then repeated a victory over Fury in their rematch later that year.
Fury subsequently retired for the entirety of 2025 but has returned to the sport. The former world titlist could be on a collision course for a third fight with Usyk.
The heavyweight champion expects that to be the final fight of his career. “In my head, Tyson Fury, it’s the last dance,” Usyk told Associated Press.
Both of Usyk’s fights with Fury were in Riyadh, though it’s unclear whether they’d conclude their trilogy in Saudi Arabia. The Iran war has caused disruption in the Middle East. Formula 1 for instance is set to call off the Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia in April due to the conflict.
“Given the situation currently unfolding in the world, my task is simply to be ready for what I am preparing for,” Usyk said regarding fighting again in Saudi Arabia. “Then the organisers will decide where it can be held – where they can stage this show so that it is safe for all participants and spectators.”
The Ukrainian is due 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 title fight.
The 39-year-old has stated that he would like to fight the winner of Fabio Wardley’s WBO championship clash with Daniel Dubois after that before closing out his career against Fury.
Frank Warren, who promotes Fury, Wardley and Dubois, previously told Sky Sports: “We’re up for that.
“There’s a lot of frustration because Fabio wanted that [Usyk fight before]. But the fact that Oleksandr has come out and said he wants the winner of the two of them, it’s very encouraging. And certainly for the two guys, it gives them a lot of incentive.
“We’ve got a great relationship with him and if we can do some business we’ll certainly do it.”
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Frank Warren reveals whether Fabio Wardley or Daniel Dubois will fight Oleksandr Usyk.
Russia ban should be maintained
Usyk is a great champion, who represents Ukraine on the world stage. A London 2012, Olympic gold medallist, he’s been undisputed at cruiserweight, twice at heavyweight and has never lost a professional fight.
He is resolute that the sporting world shouldn’t soften its line on Russian participation since Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine.
At the Winter Paralympic Games Russian athletes have been allowed to compete under their country’s flag.
Usyk with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Usyk has urged the International Olympic Committee not to follow suit. “My opinion has not changed – this should not be happening,” he told Associated Press. “People who support the killing of others, the bombing of civilian cities, hospitals, schools, and everything else should not have the right to take part in the Olympic Games.
“The Olympic Games were created as games of peace,” he continued. “But now someone who kills on another person’s orders and launches missiles at another country is allowed to take part in sport – that is complete absurdity.
“If somebody is even following the orders of his commander-in-chief to go and fight, then they cannot also go to sports competitions and represent their country there. Let them continue being a soldier. Because in the evening they are killing, and in the morning they compete as athletes. That simply doesn’t add up.”
