Tyson Fury’s chances of fighting Oleksandr Usyk have been boosted by the Ukrainian’s decision to give up one of his belts.
Former two-time heavyweight champion Fury announced his shock retirement from the sport back in January following back-to-back defeats to the Ukrainian. Just weeks after hanging up the gloves, the ‘Gypsy King’ posted clips of him returning to training – hinting at a potential comeback.
Fury’s sabbatical seemingly ended back in July after he confirmed he would be making a sensational return to the squared-circle next year. That said, he has since sent out rather mixed signals after he recently stated that not even a £1billion pay day would tempt him into a comeback.
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Warren said: “The fight he really wants is another go with Mr. Usyk, he really wants that. And they were great fights, really close fights, to watch. I’d watch that again. That’s the fight he wants. That’s the one he talks about all the time.” And the ‘Gypsy King’ could find himself in a position where he could walk into an immediate fight with his rival.
Earlier this week, Fabio Wardley was crowned the new WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk gave up his belt. The Brit stopped Joseph Parker in the 11th round of their epic dust-up last month to become interim WBO champion. The Ukrainian behemoth had already been ordered to defend his four belts against the Ipswich native, but Wardley has now been elevated to full champion.
Following the news, Usyk now seemingly has no obligations he must fulfil in the near future – which frees up a potential third fight with Fury should he decide to perform a major U-turn. Earlier this year, the 37-year-old was quick to throw his hat in the ring to fight the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.
Reacting to Usyk’s win over Daniel Dubois back in July, Fury said: “Massive shout out to Oleksandr Usyk. He did a fantastic performance tonight over Daniel Dubois, a good, young, game lad who came for a good tear, so congratulations to both men but Oleksandr Usyk knows there is only one man who can beat him.
“I did it twice before and the world knows it. I have been f***** good and proper. I took it like a man and here is me, not f****** around at some boxing match, I am out on the road running. I am running tonight. I came home, I did my job and I got myself back and I am the man. I am the f****** spartan and no matter what anyone wants to say, I won those fights. Guaranteed, 100 per cent. There is only one man. GK (Gypsy King) all day every day. Get up!”
