Oleksandr Usyk calls out Tyson Fury for trilogy fight as Gypsy King’s promoter Frank Warren responds
Oleksandr Usyk has mapped out exactly how he plans to bow out of boxing, and it’s quite the farewell tour.
The Ukrainian superstar, who’s achieved the remarkable feat of becoming undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight, wants just three more bouts before hanging up his gloves.
First up is a rather unusual showdown against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven. The pair will square off in front of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on 23 May, with Usyk’s WBC heavyweight belt on the line.
At 39, the southpaw has previously said he intends to keep fighting until he turns 41.
Oleksandr Usyk remains unbeaten from 24 fights | REUTERS
After dispatching Verhoeven, Usyk has his sights set on whoever emerges victorious from the Fabio Wardley versus Daniel Dubois clash. That WBO heavyweight title fight takes place on 9 May in Manchester, just two weeks before Usyk’s Egyptian adventure.
And for his grand finale? The 39-year-old wants to settle things once and for all with Tyson Fury.
“Third fight, it’s my friend, greedy belly Tyson Fury,” Usyk told Inside the Ring.
The pair met twice in Saudi Arabia during 2024, with Usyk winning both encounters. Fury, however, still maintains he should have had his hand raised on both occasions.
Promoter Frank Warren has confirmed he’s ready to make that third fight happen.
Oleksandr Usyk wants a third fight with Tyson Fury
|
PA“We’re up for that,” Warren told Sky Sports. “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.”
Warren, who promotes both Wardley and Dubois, seems genuinely excited about the prospect of a unification bout.
“We’ve got a great relationship with him and if we can do some business we’ll certainly do it,” he added.
The Fury trilogy also has Warren’s full backing. He reckons both previous encounters were tight affairs that made for thrilling viewing.
Tyson Fury retired after his loss to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024 but has since announced his comeback
|
GETTY
“The first two fights were close, very exciting fights, really exciting fights, I’d watch that all day long. And Tyson wants that fight. He’s told me on numerous occasions he’d love that fight,” Warren said.
Fury himself returns to action on 11 April against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
One name Usyk won’t be adding to his farewell tour is rising British talent Moses Itauma.
“No, I [don’t] want to fight with Itauma, because he’s a young guy, I don’t want to break this guy,” Usyk explained.
