Tyson Fury says he believes a points victory over Oleksandr Usyk is unlikely if the pair meet for a third time, as the former WBC heavyweight champion prepares to return to the ring against Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11.
Fury is set to face Makhmudov on a Netflix broadcast while Usyk prepares to defend his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in Egypt. The British heavyweight’s comments come after his two defeats to Usyk in 2024, including a unanimous decision loss in their December rematch that ended his bid to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era.
“I want a third fight but, the thing is: I know if he stands up at the end of it, I’m not going to get a decision,” Fury said.
“For me, it’s like you may as well give him the fight. Before we even box, give him the W [win] and just give me the money, because that’s what’s going to happen anyway – if I don’t knock him out,” he added.
Fury said he believes stopping Usyk is the only realistic way to win a future trilogy fight, pointing to the Ukrainian’s durability and movement inside the ring.
“If I could’ve knocked him out, I would’ve done already. He’s a tough man and, every time he gets hurt, he can sort of nip and run away with his speed and agility. So yeah, I’m not going to get a decision; it’s not going to be a fair result,” Fury said.
A potential third bout between Fury and Usyk would likely depend on the outcome of their upcoming fights in the coming months, with both heavyweights needing to come through those contests before negotiations could begin.
