Usyk's Manager Dismisses Fury's Offer as Backup Plan for Joshua Fight Amidst Doubts

The camp of heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has rejected Tyson Fury's recent suggestion that Usyk could serve as a "backup plan" for a potential fight with Anthony Joshua. This comes as uncertainty continues to surround the highly anticipated all-British showdown between Fury and Joshua.

Protracted negotiations for the Fury-Joshua bout have been hampered by disagreements over the fight's venue. In response to these delays, Fury took to social media to declare he was seeking a new opponent, specifically mentioning a third fight with Usyk, the fighter who handed Fury two defeats by decision in 2024 to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.

In a statement to Sky Sports News, Usyk's manager, Sergey Lapin, firmly stated: "Usyk is not Tyson's backup plan." He added, "If Fury needs an opponent, he should visit the Ready to Fight platform. They can help him find a worthy opponent there. Oleksandr is always open to big challenges. But serious intentions are backed by a concrete offer, not statements in the press."

Usyk, who declared his intention to vacate three heavyweight titles in June, has maintained he is not retiring. He has recently been linked with a potential fight against Deontay Wilder. Usyk, with a professional record of 25-0, secured victories over Joshua in 2021 and 2022. He has since been involved with Joshua's training team.

Both Joshua and Fury have reportedly signed individual contracts for a fight that was initially targeted for November. However, an agreement on the venue remains elusive, with rumors suggesting New York City as a possibility. Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, has expressed a strong desire for the fight to take place in London, while Fury has accused Joshua of avoiding a bout that has been anticipated for over a decade.

Fury, in a video shared on Instagram, directly addressed Usyk: "This will only lead me to a fight with Oleksandr Usyk. Oleksandr, you're his [Joshua's] trainer and his sensei, and you know he is weak minded... and that he would never fight the Gypsy King, which you have had the guts to do twice. You got the decisions last time, fair play to you. Good luck to you, let's do it again. Let's run it back in November. The ball is now in your court... do you want to fight me this year, 2026, or are you calling it quits? Let me know because I am now looking for a new opponent."

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English Translation and Paraphrasing:

Usyk's Manager Rejects Fury's Offer as Backup Opponent

Oleksandr Usyk's manager has dismissed Tyson Fury's recent proposal to be a "backup plan" for a potential fight with Anthony Joshua. This statement comes amidst ongoing uncertainty regarding the highly anticipated heavyweight clash between Fury and Joshua.

The protracted negotiations for the Fury-Joshua bout have stalled due to disputes over the venue. In light of these delays, Fury publicly announced on social media that he is seeking a new opponent and expressed a desire for a third fight with Usyk, who defeated Fury twice on points in 2024 to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.

Responding to Fury's comments, Usyk's manager, Sergey Lapin, told Sky Sports News: "Usyk is not Tyson's backup plan." Lapin further advised Fury to seek an opponent through the "Ready to Fight" platform, suggesting they could assist him in finding a suitable contender. He emphasized that Usyk is always prepared for significant challenges, but stressed that genuine interest must be accompanied by a concrete offer, rather than mere public statements.

Usyk, who declared he was vacating his three heavyweight titles in June, has indicated he is not retiring and has recently been linked with a potential bout against Deontay Wilder. Usyk, holding an undefeated professional record of 25-0, previously defeated Anthony Joshua twice in 2021 and 2022, and has more recently been part of Joshua's training team.

While both Joshua and Fury have reportedly signed individual agreements for a fight initially scheduled for November, a consensus on the venue has yet to be reached, with speculation pointing towards New York City as a potential location. Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, has conveyed his and Joshua's preference for the fight to take place in London. Conversely, Fury has suggested that his rival is attempting to avoid a fight that has been in the making for over a decade.

Fury, in a video posted on Instagram, addressed Usyk directly, stating: "This will only lead me to a fight with Oleksandr Usyk. Oleksandr, you're his [Joshua's] trainer and his sensei, and you know he is weak minded... and that he would never fight the Gypsy King, which you have had the guts to do twice. You got the decisions last time, fair play to you. Good luck to you, let's do it again. Let's run it back in November. The ball is now in your court... do you want to fight me this year, 2026, or are you calling it quits? Let me know because I am now looking for a new opponent."