Usyk’s manager dismisses Fury’s trilogy fight proposal
Oleksandr Usyk’s manager has emphatically rejected Tyson Fury’s attempt to secure a trilogy fight, warning the British heavyweight that the Ukrainian will not serve as his “backup plan,” reports BritPanorama.
Fury publicly challenged his former rival following setbacks in negotiations for a highly anticipated domestic bout with Anthony Joshua. Both heavyweights reportedly signed individual contracts for a proposed fight in November, yet disputes over the venue remain unresolved.
Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, are advocating for the match to occur in London, while New York City has emerged as a potential alternative stage. Without a confirmed location, Fury has accused Joshua of evading their matchup, suggesting that he is now considering another fight with Usyk.
However, Sergey Lapin, Usyk’s manager, expressed discontent with Fury’s approach. “Usyk is not Tyson’s backup plan,” Lapin stated. “If Fury needs an opponent, he should visit the Ready to Fight platform. They can help him find a worthy opponent there.”
Lapin further indicated that while Usyk is open to significant challenges, meaningful proposals should accompany public statements. The former undisputed heavyweight champion remains undefeated with a record of 25 professional fights and has twice defeated Joshua.
Usyk first claimed victory over Joshua in London in 2021, followed by a rematch win in Saudi Arabia the next year. Despite relinquishing all three heavyweight belts in June, Usyk has made it clear that he has no immediate plans for retirement, with discussions of a potential match against former WBC champion Deontay Wilder circulating.
Fury has indicated that if negotiations with Joshua fail, he is determined to arrange a third encounter with Usyk. In a recent Instagram video, Fury remarked, “This will only lead me to a fight with Oleksandr Usyk,” highlighting the ongoing rivalry. “Let me know because I am now looking for a new opponent.”
Despite being linked for over a decade, fights between Fury and Joshua have repeatedly faltered, and the latest venue conflict raises new questions over the landmark bout. Their histories paint a picture of a once-promising matchup now shrouded in uncertainty as both champions navigate their career paths.
For boxing fans, this ongoing saga serves as a reminder of how easily ambition and rivalry can drift apart in the sport, particularly when stakes are as high as they are for both men. Each delay leaves supporters on edge, waiting to see if these titans can ever unify in the ring.
