Tyson Fury is preparing for his highly-anticipated rematch against Oleksandr Usyk – but ‘The Gypsy King’ has lauded one boxer he could fight next
Tyson Fury is in training and preparing to face Oleksandr Usyk in their heavyweight title rematch in December. But ‘The Gyspy King’ appears to have one eye on his next opponent as he lauded a different rival.
Fury lost his undefeated tag against Usyk in May as the Ukrainian became the first undisputed heavyweight boxer since the turn of the Millennium. The close contest was decided in the ninth round when Fury received a count after an onslaught from the 37-year-old, tipping the fight and the scorecard in Usyk’s favour.
Speaking after the fight, Fury claimed he was having too much fun in the ring but assured he would be better prepared come December for the rematch. Already back in camp, Fury has one eye on fellow Brit Anthony Joshua for a potential showdown after lauding the former world champion.
Speaking to Boxing King Media, Fury revealed his admiration for former IBO cruiserweight champion Ola Afolabi, recalling the time he was given a pair of gloves by ‘Kryptonite’. “I remember Ola Afolabi, former cruiserweight champion, he gave me a pair of Winning boxing gloves when I was first turning pro, they were all —— up, all ripped, and I wore them for another four years,” he said.
“I was like ‘a world champion gave me these, they are unbelievable’, I wore them until they literally rotted off of my hands. To go from that to where I am now, that’s living proof that anyone can do it.”
Fury continued that Joshua’s journey to the top has similarities to Afolabi, with both fighters raised in England by Nigerian parents, praising Joshua’s journey to becoming a “global superstar”.
AJ is the same, he’s come from the estate, come from nothing, from Nigerian parents, came from a foreign country to England. He’s come from the ghetto, and he’s made his way up to become a global superstar. If that doesn’t deserve 100% respect, then I don’t know what does,” Fury said.
Fury and Joshua could finally meet in an all-British undisputed fight if Fury enacts his revenge on Usyk, while Joshua faces Daniel Dubois in September at Wembley. The showdown in London is set to be for the IBF world heavyweight title after Usyk was forced to vacate the belt having not faced the mandatory challenger – Dubois.
Barry Hearn told Sky Sports that Joshua “won’t sleep” until he beats the winner of the Fury and Usyk rematch, adding that delivering Joshua the fight is a must. “Joshua against Tyson Fury in early 2025 is the fight that we have a responsibility to deliver and we don’t walk away from our responsibilities,” Hearn said.
“Yes, I think it’s all of our duty, those involved. We have to keep delivering the very best product. We need to do that fight. I think personally that Usyk beats Fury in the rematch. It’s easier to make if Fury beats Usyk, because then if Joshua has beaten [Daniel] Dubois then you’ve got the unification fight because Joshua will hold the IBF belt.”
The world of heavyweight boxing is once again heating up as Tyson Fury, known globally as ‘The Gypsy King,’ prepares for his highly-anticipated rematch against Oleksandr Usyk this December. The boxing world is buzzing with anticipation, as fans and pundits alike speculate about the outcome of this monumental clash. But in the midst of his intense preparations, Fury has hinted at what could come next, drawing attention to a potential showdown that has been years in the making.
Tyson Fury, a towering figure in the boxing world, faced a significant setback in May when he lost his undefeated status to Usyk. The Ukrainian powerhouse made history by becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since the turn of the Millennium, securing his legacy in the annals of boxing history. The bout was a close contest, with both fighters showcasing their immense skill and tenacity. However, it was in the ninth round that the tides turned decisively in Usyk’s favor. Fury, known for his resilience and ability to take punishment, was caught off guard by an onslaught from the 37-year-old Usyk, leading to a count that ultimately tipped the judges’ scorecards.
Despite the loss, Fury’s spirits remain high. Speaking in the aftermath of the fight, he reflected on the experience with a characteristic blend of bravado and introspection. “I was having too much fun in the ring,” Fury admitted, acknowledging that perhaps his focus had wavered during the bout. However, he was quick to assure his fans that the rematch in December would be a different story. With the lessons from the May fight fresh in his mind, Fury has thrown himself back into training, determined to reclaim his title and restore his reputation as the king of the heavyweight division.
As Fury gears up for his rematch, his thoughts have also wandered to other potential opponents. One name that has come up repeatedly is Anthony Joshua, another British boxing superstar. Joshua, who himself is on a path of redemption after a series of challenging fights, could be the next in line for Fury. The prospect of an all-British heavyweight showdown between Fury and Joshua has been a dream for boxing fans for years, and recent developments suggest it could finally become a reality.
Interestingly, Fury recently shared his admiration for Joshua in an interview with Boxing King Media. Drawing a parallel between Joshua’s journey and that of former IBO cruiserweight champion Ola Afolabi, Fury recounted a poignant memory from his early career. “I remember Ola Afolabi, former cruiserweight champion, he gave me a pair of Winning boxing gloves when I was first turning pro,” Fury said, his voice filled with nostalgia. “They were all messed up, all ripped, and I wore them for another four years. I was like ‘a world champion gave me these, they are unbelievable,’ I wore them until they literally rotted off of my hands.”
This story, while seemingly anecdotal, carries a deeper message about the path to greatness. Fury’s humble beginnings, symbolized by those worn-out gloves, are a testament to the hard work and perseverance required to reach the pinnacle of the sport. It’s a journey that he sees mirrored in Joshua’s rise. “AJ is the same,” Fury continued. “He’s come from the estate, come from nothing, from Nigerian parents, came from a foreign country to England. He’s come from the ghetto, and he’s made his way up to become a global superstar. If that doesn’t deserve 100% respect, then I don’t know what does.”
The admiration between these two giants of British boxing sets the stage for what could be one of the most significant fights in the sport’s history. For now, both men have their immediate challenges to focus on – Fury with his rematch against Usyk and Joshua with his upcoming fight against Daniel Dubois. But the potential for a Fury-Joshua clash looms large on the horizon.
Joshua’s fight with Dubois, set to take place at Wembley in September, is crucial not just for his career but for the future of the heavyweight division. With the IBF world heavyweight title on the line, a victory for Joshua would set up a tantalizing unification fight against the winner of Fury vs. Usyk. The boxing world is already buzzing with excitement at the possibility of these two British titans finally meeting in the ring.
Promoter Barry Hearn has emphasized the importance of making this fight happen, expressing the determination of all involved to deliver the match that fans have been clamoring for. “Joshua against Tyson Fury in early 2025 is the fight that we have a responsibility to deliver and we don’t walk away from our responsibilities,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “Yes, I think it’s all of our duty, those involved. We have to keep delivering the very best product. We need to do that fight.”
Hearn also shared his thoughts on the upcoming Fury-Usyk rematch, predicting that Usyk could very well repeat his victory. “I think personally that Usyk beats Fury in the rematch,” Hearn said, though he acknowledged that a Fury win would make the potential Joshua fight even more significant. “It’s easier to make if Fury beats Usyk because then if Joshua has beaten Dubois, you’ve got the unification fight because Joshua will hold the IBF belt.”
As Fury trains for what could be the most important fight of his career, the possibilities for what comes next are tantalizing. A victory against Usyk would not only restore Fury’s status as the undisputed heavyweight champion but would also set the stage for the showdown that has been years in the making. Whether it’s against Joshua or another top contender, Fury’s journey is far from over.
For now, the focus remains on December, when Fury and Usyk will step into the ring once again, each with their own legacy on the line. But as the Gypsy King himself has hinted, his story is one of perseverance, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. And if his track record is anything to go by, the world of boxing should brace itself for whatever comes next.