Tyson Fury now looks set to fight Oleksandr Usyk to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era – but his father, John, believes there’s a bigger fight out there.
The WBC heavyweight champion has had his offer of a 70/30 split accepted by Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBO and IBF belts. For a moment it looked unlikely that the fight would happen, but, save for official confirmation, things are looking up now.
These negotiations were reminiscent of the talks with Joshua towards the end of 2022. Fury set deadlines for his British rival to sign the contract by, and they were ultimately missed.
A major difference is that the Usyk fight now looks likely to happen – and Fury previously told IFL TV that it’s bigger than one with ‘AJ.’
“Me and Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world. No doubt. And two undefeated fighters – not a man who’s been beat three of his last five fights … [Joshua] brings nothing to to the table.
And the undisputed world heavyweight championship – that they’ve been talking about for the last ten years but could never win in their wildest dreams – that’s the bigger fight.”
His father, John, doesn’t agree.
The elder Fury told Boxing Social via FreeBets that the two domestic rivals clashing would be bigger, but that Joshua has work to do to make it happen.
“Absolutely, yes. It’s bigger than Usyk, Joshua and Tyson is still a great fight. People know that. So, get behind the man. Don’t kick him while he’s down, he’s a great fighter.
He just needs to tweak a few things, and he’ll be back to winning ways. But he needs to get away from Eddie Hearn as well, by the way. He’s done him no favours either, that idiot.”
A Fury and Joshua bout is still, despite Joshua losing his belts to Usyk, high on the wish lists of fight fans worldwide. They both have obstacles before it can even be discussed, though.
‘AJ’ is set to return to the ring on April 1 against America’s Jermaine Franklin, looking to get back to winning ways. Fury will be – if things continue to progress – in the ring just weeks later on April 29 to potentially make history as undisputed champ.
Should both men keep winning, those frustrating negotiations might just be revisited later in the year.