Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury were involved in two epic clashes in 2024.
The pair met for the first time in May 2024 looking to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era, with Usyk heading in as the unified WBA, WBO and IBF champion, while Fury held the WBC title.
It was the Ukrainian that earned the victory to become the sole ruler of the division, claiming a knockdown against Fury in the ninth round on his way to a split decision win.
The fight had originally been set to take place in February of that year but had to be pushed back after Fury suffered a cut in sparring, and ‘The Gypsy King’ attributed that to one of the reasons for his performance, promising a much better display when they had their rematch.
Usyk vacated the IBF belt in order to fulfil the rematch with Fury in December, but it was a repeat result, as the Ukrainian this time won by unanimous decision to retain his titles and ensure he remained as the king of the division.
Fury has since announced he is retired from the sport, while Usyk is now set to take on current IBF champion Daniel Dubois in July, looking to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.
Usyk has previously said that he only has two fights left in boxing, and he revealed to Mail Sport that he feels there are two choices for his final bout.
“I have two options. Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.”
He was then asked who he would prefer to face out of those two men.
“Tyson Fury.”
Usyk’s surprise claim could entice Fury to end his retirement, with many fans still expecting ‘The Gypsy King’ to take on Joshua at some stage in the near future.
If the all-British does take place, Joshua will be keen to ensure he’s the one that claims the victory, especially with a potential fight against Usyk also up for grabs. Joshua met the Ukrainian on two occasions in 2021 and 2022, with Usyk winning both fights on points.
