British heavyweight Tyson Fury is targeting a third showdown with Oleksandr Usyk rather than a long-awaited all-British blockbuster against Anthony Joshua, his promoter Frank Warren has revealed. Warren confirmed that the former WBC heavyweight champion is planning a comeback next year, with his focus firmly on avenging his two consecutive defeats to Usyk, the current undisputed heavyweight titleholder. “The fight he really wants is another go with Mr Usyk — he really wants that,” Warren told Sky Sports. “They were great fights, really close fights to watch. I’d watch that again. That’s the fight he wants; that’s the one he talks about all the time.” Fury, 36, suffered the only two losses of his professional career at the hands of Usyk in 2024, both by points decisions. Their first meeting saw the Morecambe-born fighter pushed to the brink of a stoppage before narrowly losing, while the rematch ended in another close but decisive victory for the Ukrainian. Retirement and Redemption Despite announcing his fifth retirement from boxing in January 2025, Fury now appears determined to return for what could be one final chapter in his storied career. Warren dismissed suggestions that the “Gypsy King” is past his prime, insisting that Fury remains physically capable and mentally sharp enough to compete at the top level. “He hasn’t got a lot of miles on the clock. He’s nobody’s fool — he’s a very smart guy,” Warren said. “He knows better than you and me what he’s got left. He’s a fighting man, and if he decides he’s going to move forward and do it, he’ll do it. He’s not a stupid guy clutching at straws.” Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) has previously flirted with retirement on multiple occasions, often returning to the ring after short breaks. His two defeats to Usyk stripped him of his unbeaten record and his WBC crown, but the British fighter has remained vocal about his desire for redemption. Joshua Fight Still on Hold While fans have long called for a Fury vs. Joshua bout — a fight that would rank among the biggest in British boxing history — the prospect appears to be fading once again. The two heavyweights have been on a collision course for nearly a decade, with negotiations repeatedly collapsing over broadcasting rights, purse splits, and scheduling conflicts. Despite renewed public demand, Warren hinted that the Joshua fight is not a priority for Fury, who remains fixated on Usyk. “Right now, Tyson only talks about Usyk,” the veteran promoter said. “That’s the challenge that’s driving him. He wants to prove he’s still the best heavyweight in the world.” Joshua, meanwhile, has been linked with a potential fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov, while other contenders such as Joseph Parker and Agit Kabayel are also circling for opportunities to face Usyk. Usyk’s Dominance and the Road Ahead Usyk, the reigning undisputed heavyweight champion, last fought in July 2025, when he defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium to retain his belts. The Ukrainian southpaw has remained unbeaten since moving up from cruiserweight and is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted fighters of his era. A trilogy with Fury would mark another chapter in one of heavyweight boxing’s most compelling rivalries — a clash of styles between Usyk’s precision and Fury’s unorthodox agility and size. However, with Fury now 36 and Joshua 35, time is quickly running out for the long-promised British superfight to materialize. A Career of Highs, Lows, and Comebacks Since bursting onto the scene in 2015 with a stunning victory over Wladimir Klitschko, Tyson Fury has become one of boxing’s most charismatic and controversial figures. His career has been marked by triumph, turmoil, and resilience — from battles with mental health to epic duels with Deontay Wilder. A trilogy with Usyk could be his last opportunity to reclaim global supremacy and end his career on his own terms. For now, the former lineal champion seems to have made his decision clear: it’s unfinished business with Oleksandr Usyk, not Anthony Joshua, that will define the next chapter of Tyson Fury’s legacy.
Fury Eyes Usyk Trilogy, Not Joshua Showdown, Says Promoter Frank Warren
