Neither Tyson Fury nor Oleksandr Usyk wanted to be drawn on their next move right after Saturday's world championship fight.
Usyk defended his combined WBO, WBA and WBC heavyweight titles when he handed Fury a unanimous points loss, to repeat his victory earlier this year in May.
It was bittersweet for Fury to swallow. The Briton was adamant that he deserved the decision but after two consecutive defeats to the same opponent, it is very likely that Fury will have to go the other way. The touted trilogy with Usyk has lost some of its excitement, even if both of their fights were close, exciting contests fought at the highest level.
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Tyson Fury gives his birth right after his loss to Oleksandr Usyk
Fury didn't think he would even box again. “Maybe I will, maybe I won't,” he said at his post-fight press conference. “I'm going home and taking time off.”
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Tyson Fury gives his honest thoughts after his second loss to Oleksandr Usyk
But there are attractive options for him besides Usyk. Mainly because he has a ready opponent in Anthony Joshua in Great Britain.
Top Rank's Bob Arum, who is Fury's co-promoter, told Sky Sports that a fight could happen and should be in the UK.
“That fight has to be in the UK at Wembley Stadium, that's where it is. Otherwise if you keep having these big fights outside the local area, you're hurting the sport and the joy that comes with the sport,” said Arum.
“Wembley is unforgettable.”
Could Tyson Fury face Anthony Joshua next in long-running British boxing?
Brad Jacobs, Top Rank COO, told Sky Sports: “It's a fight that the UK fans want regardless of what the guys have done recently in the ring or not. line or it might not happen.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, agrees a Fury fight could fill Wembley Stadium. “It would be an instant sale,” he told Sky Sports.
“This is definitely the only fight for Tyson Fury and aside from the Dubois rematch, it's obviously the only fight for AJ. After a fight like that, and knowing how disappointed Fury will be, I don't think this is the time to start calling him out. forward.
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Johnny Nelson reflects on Tyson Fury's loss to Oleksandr Usyk and believes his next move won't be a fight with Anthony Joshua
“Was there ever a better time? They're both coming off defeats, both at the back of their careers. One in Wembley, one in Riyadh, two fights in 2025. “
Ukraine's Usyk may no longer be in doubt, he lost the IBF belt to follow this rematch with Fury, but he remains undefeated and is still the No. 1 in the division.
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Daniel Dubois wants a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk after the Ukrainian's win over Tyson Fury
Already the undisputed two-weight champion, Usyk could become a three-time champion if he boxes and defeats the winner of Daniel Dubois' bout with Joseph Parker.
His legacy is certain though. He has already beaten Dubois in the 2023 world championships, stopping him at a distance as well.
Usyk could retire from the sport if he wanted to.
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Watch highlights from Oleksandr Usyk's press conference where he talks about his win over Tyson Fury, vs. Daniel Dubois and calls for a break from boxing
“Usyk will sit back and enjoy Christmas. Daniel Dubois is a good option if he can get through Joseph Parker,” said former world champion and Sky Sports boxing expert Johnny Nelson.
“Usyk's oyster is the world, so he will go where the money is the most. He has to take advantage of the situation he has.
“But who is it? The IBF champion Daniel Dubois. But is Usyk going to stay that long because Daniel Dubois has to fight first. I don't think he will retire to the weight of the cruise.”
Sky Sports commentator Andrew Clarke suggested: “Go off into the sunset. What a career, as an ambassador for the sport, he's done everything he could.
“335 wins and 15 losses as an amateur, one of which came in his first fight. Undisputed champion at cruiserweight and heavyweight – what else is there to do? Nothing to do. Just go now
“He has his health intact,” he concluded. “Just go out at the top.”
Replays of the heavyweight rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will be shown from 8am and 6pm on Sunday December 22 on Sky Sports Box Office. Book Usyk vs Fury 2 replay now!
