Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed he will not seek a third fight with Tyson Fury and is instead backing Anthony Joshua to get the next shot at the ‘Gypsy King’. The Ukrainian, who defeated Fury twice to become the first four-belt undisputed champion, revealed his stance in an interview with Daily Mail Boxing ahead of his own title defense.
Usyk’s immediate focus is his upcoming mandatory WBC title defense against Rico Verhoeven, scheduled for May 23rd, 2026, at the Pyramids of Giza. However, his comments have shifted attention to the long-anticipated all-British clash between Fury and Joshua, a fight that has eluded fans for years.
The champion outlined his reasoning, indicating a willingness to step aside from his own planned schedule to facilitate the bout. This comes after Fury successfully returned from a 16-month absence with a victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, setting the stage for a potential revenge mission against Usyk or a lucrative showdown with Joshua.
Usyk provided clarity on his position, directly quoting his conversation with the outlet. "My plan has not changed, I have three fights. But, now I understand that Tyson has not signed [for a fight] with 'AJ'," Usyk stated.
He further elaborated on his surprising support for his former opponent, Anthony Joshua, whom he has defeated twice. Usyk’s comments suggest a strategic desire to see Joshua succeed where he himself already has. "If 'AJ' and 'Greedy' [Fury] sign contract, I just stay back, 'okay, [you are fighting each other instead], because I want to help AJ beat Tyson Fury," Usyk said.
This development places significant pressure on the camps of Fury and Joshua to finally come to terms. Anthony Joshua is scheduled to return to the ring in July, and a victory there would perfectly position him for a blockbuster encounter with Fury later in 2026.
The landscape of the heavyweight division is now poised for a major shift. While Usyk prepares for a historic fight in Egypt, the path is clearing for one of British boxing's most demanded fights to finally materialize, contingent on both parties agreeing to a deal that has proven elusive for so long.