Tyson Fury is still talking about a trilogy with Oleksandr Usyk. However, there is a growing desire for new pairings in the premier class – with Kabayel, Wardley, Dubois or Itauma.
Tyson Fury still believes in a third duel with Oleksandr Usyk. But in the heavyweight division, there are more and more voices warning against new bouts. Instead, the focus is shifting to pairings with Agit Kabayel, Fabio Wardley, Daniel Dubois or Moses Itauma.
Time is clearly running out for the big names in the heavyweight division. This is precisely why the question of whether a third fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury would really advance the division is becoming louder and louder. Fury recently announced full-bodied that Usyk would “beg” him for a trilogy by the end of 2026. Usyk himself had also initially formulated a clear three-fight plan: first Rico Verhoeven on May 23, then the winner of Fabio Wardley against Daniel Dubois, then Fury.
However, this route no longer appears to be set in stone. Usyk himself recently indicated that a duel with Agit Kabayel could also be an option instead of Fury. This is particularly explosive because the German is still pushing for his chance as interim WBC champion. At the same time, such a move would give new impetus to the heavyweight division instead of setting up another top duel that has already been seen twice.
Usyk is not a priority for Fury
Fury also has his own construction sites. First up is Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11, after which the Brit says he wants to box several more times – most likely against Anthony Joshua. It is therefore far from certain that the trilogy with Usyk will really take priority.
This is precisely why the focus is increasingly on alternatives. Wardley and Dubois will fight for the WBO belt in May, Kabayel is lurking with the WBC interim title, and the next generation is already pushing forward with Moses Itauma. Although Usyk has ruled out a fight against Itauma for the time being, it is precisely such constellations that show that the premier class has enough fresh options.
Text by Robin Josten