John Fury claims that there is one heavyweight that Oleksandr Usyk will not be fighting any time soon.
Usyk has done things no other man ever has in the sport of boxing. The former 2012 Olympic gold medallist turned professional and, within six years had become the undisputed cruiserweight champion.
He then moved up to heavyweight and by 2024 had become undisputed again, having defeated Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois.
His last fight came back in July 2025, when he beat Dubois once more to make him the first ever two-time undisputed heavyweight ruler in the four-belt era.
He has recently vacated the WBO title, rather than face his mandatory Fabio Wardley, and instead he called out Deontay Wilder.
Speaking to iFL TV, ‘Big John’ suggested the Ukrainian will not risk his belts against another man, Agit Kabayel.
“There’s not enough money in it for Usyk, and it’s a danger for Usyk, isn’t it. There’s only one man Usyk is interested in and that’s [Tyson], cause he’s a massive payday. He’s where the big bucks is.
“Usyk’s getting older, he wants the big money. He’s not going to risk it with a young bull like Kabayel is he. He’s after [Tyson] isn’t he, so that’s my opinion. Good fight, but it’s not going to happen.”
Kabayel has beaten Zhilei Zhang, Frank Sanchez and Tyson Fury’s next opponent, Arslanbek Makhmudov and is the current WBC interim champion. He could be next out against Lawrence Okolie as he continues to hunt down a shot at a full world title.
