Tyson Fury is absolutely convinced that Oleksandr Usyk will be desperate for a third showdown before 2026 is over.
Despite suffering two points defeats to the Ukrainian heavyweight champion last year, the Gypsy King reckons he holds all the cards when it comes to big-money fights.
“He’ll be begging for a trilogy by the end of the year. There’s no one for him to fight to make any money. There’s only the GK, the big man,” Fury told Sky Sports.
The British boxing star insists he remains the sport’s biggest attraction regardless of his recent setbacks.
Tyson Fury insisted he is still “the biggest fish” in boxing
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“I’m the biggest fish in the pond,” he declared.
Fury has made no secret of his frustration with the judges’ decisions in both encounters.
The pair first met in a historic clash for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the four-belt era, with Usyk becoming the first professional to hand Fury a defeat.
Their December rematch produced the same result, which ultimately led Fury to announce his retirement from boxing.
“Dick Turpin wore a mask when he was robbing people. I got robbed in broad daylight with the world watching,” Fury said.
Tyson Fury wants a third fight with Oleksandr Usyk | PA
Yet he maintains his status at the top of the heavyweight division hasn’t changed.
“With or without money, I’m still the man. With or without belts, I’m still the man,” he insisted.
Fury’s return to the ring is set for April 11 when he takes on Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Canadian-based fighter represents a genuine test, sitting at number six in the WBA rankings.
“Big, dangerous man and someone I have to respect or else I’ll get knocked out,” Fury acknowledged.
Victory over Makhmudov would be a crucial stepping stone towards reclaiming world title glory.
Fury has a rather straightforward plan for his championship comeback.
Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have never met in the ring | PA
“If I had my way, how would I get my route back to a world title? Here’s what I’d do: I’d say, right, make this fellow world champion and I’d fight him for the title and win – and then I’d be world champion again. Easy.”
The potential all-British superfight with Anthony Joshua will have to wait, however.
Fury has shown a compassionate side following the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s closest friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
“Let’s give the man the respect he deserves and his time away from the sport and let’s not call him out and make him do things he doesn’t want to do in this present moment,” Fury reflected.
He praised his long-time rival’s achievements as a two-time heavyweight champion and wished him well regardless of whether he returns to boxing.
“If that fight happens in the future, great. And if it doesn’t, also great.”
