Fury calls out Usyk as he hints fight with Joshua canceled

Tyson Fury has claimed his long-awaited all-British heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua is off and immediately turned his attention to Oleksandr Usyk, challenging the Ukrainian to a third fight in November.

Fury announced in a video posted on social media where he blamed Joshua for the latest breakdown in negotiations. 

The two former heavyweight champions had been expected to meet later this year, but talks have stalled over the date, venue and financial terms.

“After 11 years, he’s finally shat his pants yet again,” Fury said, referring to Joshua. He added that the situation would now lead him towards another fight with Usyk, who has twice beaten him in the professional ranks.

Fury then addressed Usyk directly, acknowledging that the Ukrainian had won both of their 2024 meetings on points but calling for another opportunity to settle the rivalry.

“You got the decisions last time, fair play to you. Good luck to you, but let’s do it again. Let’s run it back in November,” Fury said. “The ball is now in your court, Oleksandr. Do you want to fight me this year, 2026, or are you calling it quits? Let me know because I’m now looking for a new opponent.”

Fury’s comments come after weeks of tension surrounding the proposed Joshua fight. The bout had been linked with Madison Square Garden in New York, although Joshua’s camp has preferred a British venue, with Wembley Stadium reportedly among the options. 

The disagreement over location has become one of the main obstacles to finalizing the contest.

In addition to the location woes, no official date had been announced, and negotiations continued to face complications over the contract and financial arrangements.

A third meeting with Usyk would give Fury the chance to avenge the only two defeats of his professional career. 

Usyk beat him by split decision in May 2024 before winning the rematch by unanimous decision seven months later. 

The Ukrainian has since vacated his three major heavyweight titles and has indicated that he may have only one more fight before retirement.

That uncertainty could make Fury’s proposal difficult to complete. Usyk is reportedly considering a final bout with Deontay Wilder, while his team has not confirmed any agreement for a November trilogy with Fury. Nothing has been signed between the two camps.