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War in Ukraine

Tyson Fury Calls Oleksandr Usyk for Third Fight, Ukrainian Champion Accepts

2 min read
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Photo of Ivan Khomenko
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Oleksandr Usyk during his undisputed heavyweight title fight against Tyson Fury at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 2024. (Source: Getty Images)
Oleksandr Usyk during his undisputed heavyweight title fight against Tyson Fury at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 2024. (Source: Getty Images)

British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury has publicly called for a third fight against Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk, with the Ukrainian champion responding that he is prepared to face Fury “anytime” and “anywhere.”

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According to Ring Magazine on May 11, Fury released a video message in which he outlined plans for a future rematch with Usyk after a proposed bout against fellow British heavyweight Anthony Joshua later in 2026.

“After I beat Joshua, I want his sensei. I want the rematch with the Rabbit,” Fury said, referring to Usyk by his longtime nickname. “I want it in London, Las Vegas, or New York.”

Fury also addressed Saudi boxing official Turki Alalshikh, who has overseen several major heavyweight events in recent years, asking for another fight against the Ukrainian boxer.

Usyk later responded in a separate video message, confirming his readiness for a third meeting with Fury.

“Hi brother, I am ready anytime. Las Vegas, New York, Saudi Arabia—anywhere. Let’s go. Greedy belly is my friend,” Usyk said.

According to reports from Ukrainian and international boxing media on May 11, Fury first intends to face Anthony Joshua in a bout expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2026. British media reports indicate that negotiations for the fight have already advanced, although no official date has been confirmed.

Usyk and Fury previously fought twice in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2024. In their first meeting in May 2024, Usyk defeated Fury and became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years.

Their second fight took place in December 2024 and ended with another victory for the Ukrainian boxer by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the bout 116-112 in Usyk’s favor. The victory allowed Usyk to retain the WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight titles.

Fury announced his retirement from boxing in January 2025 following the second loss to Usyk, although he later returned to competition. The British heavyweight had previously made similar retirement announcements in both 2017 and 2022 before returning to the ring.

Usyk is currently scheduled to face Dutch kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Egypt.

Earlier, Oleksandr Usyk said he had little left to prove in heavyweight boxing after victories over Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, while ESPN boxing insider Mike Coppinger described the Ukrainian champion as having “virtually cleaned out the top of the heavyweight division.”

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