Tyson Fury has once again put Oleksandr Usyk at the centre of the heavyweight boxing conversation as uncertainty continues to surround his proposed showdown with Anthony Joshua.
Fury and Usyk have already shared the ring twice, with the Ukrainian coming out on top on both occasions in 2024. Their first encounter ended in a split decision, while Usyk also won the rematch in December. Those defeats remain a major part of Fury’s career, and the British heavyweight now appears interested in getting another opportunity.
With the long-awaited Fury–Joshua fight facing difficulties over the venue and other contractual matters, Fury has turned his attention back to Usyk. His short message, “Let’s run it back,” has sparked fresh speculation about a possible third meeting.
A trilogy would give Fury an opportunity to try to change the outcome of a rivalry that has so far gone entirely in Usyk’s favour. It would also provide Usyk with another chance to prove that his victories over Fury were no coincidence.
However, making the fight happen may not be straightforward. Usyk’s camp has made it clear that the former undisputed heavyweight champion does not want to be treated as a backup option while Fury’s Joshua negotiations fall apart. Sergey Lapin, a key member of Usyk’s team, has insisted that genuine interest must be backed by a serious proposal rather than public comments.
The situation is also complicated by Usyk’s changing plans for the final stage of his career. The Ukrainian recently vacated several heavyweight world titles, signalling that he may be approaching the closing chapter of his professional career. He has retained The Ring championship and has described this stage as his “last dance.”
That makes a possible third fight with Fury particularly significant. It could be more than another heavyweight contest—it could become one of the final major fights of Usyk’s career.
Fury, meanwhile, continues to believe that he can solve the problems Usyk created for him in their previous encounters. The British fighter entered those bouts with major advantages in size and reach, but Usyk’s movement, conditioning, timing, footwork and ability to change rhythm repeatedly caused difficulties.
Usyk was able to create angles, apply pressure and control positioning, particularly when Fury became stationary or moved toward the ropes. Those tactical details played an important role in both fights.
There has also been renewed discussion about Fury’s criticism of some of Usyk’s tactics. However, claims about unfair or illegal advantages should not be treated as established facts. What is clear from the fights is that Usyk used movement, feints, positioning, pressure and timing effectively to disrupt Fury’s rhythm.
If a third fight happens, Fury would need to make significant adjustments. Simply repeating the strategies from the first two encounters would likely not be enough. He could look to apply greater pressure, establish his jab more consistently and make better use of his physical advantages.
Fury has shown throughout his career that he can change his approach depending on the opponent. He has fought as a mobile boxer, a pressure fighter and a physically aggressive heavyweight. Against Usyk, however, he has yet to find a formula that produces a victory over twelve rounds.
Usyk would face a different challenge in a trilogy. Having already beaten Fury twice, he would not have the same questions to answer, but another fight would still carry significant risk. Fury would enter knowing that he has little left to lose, which could make him especially dangerous.
There is also uncertainty over what Usyk wants for the remainder of his career. A potential fight with Deontay Wilder has been discussed, while another meeting with Fury could provide a huge final chapter.
The uncertainty surrounding Fury’s proposed fight with Anthony Joshua has therefore unexpectedly reopened the possibility of Fury and Usyk meeting for a third time. The Fury–Joshua fight has reportedly encountered difficulties involving the venue and contractual issues, leaving the heavyweight division waiting for clarity.
For Fury, Usyk represents a chance at redemption. For Usyk, another victory would further strengthen his dominance over one of the biggest heavyweights of his generation.
A trilogy would also be a massive commercial event, even without a major world title at stake. Fury would be fighting to change the narrative surrounding his two defeats, while Usyk would be looking to close the rivalry on his terms.
For now, there is no officially confirmed Fury–Usyk trilogy. Fury has clearly reopened the door, but Usyk and his team appear to hold considerable leverage over whether that door actually leads to another fight.
If the trilogy eventually becomes reality, it could become one of the biggest heavyweight stories of 2026.
