Tyson Fury boldly claimed Oleksandr Usyk lacks punch power following their two bruising encounters.
The boxing stars clashed twice last year, with their first dust-up in May 2024 resulting in Usyk becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999 by overcoming the 'Gypsy King' via split decision in Saudi Arabia.
In a rematch just seven months later, despite Fury's aggressive approach seeking a knockout, he was bested for a second time by the Ukrainian. After nearly being stopped in the first fight and outclassed in the sequel, the Brit reaffirms that his long-time rival has 'no power.'
He said: "I know he's got no power, because if he has a man out cold on his feet, then hits him with another 10 free shots and doesn't even drop the motherf****r, how's he going he hurt me? He's had his shots, I took his best shots and smiled. Like Tupac said, now he's about to feel the wrath of a menace," reports All Out Fighting.
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Just weeks after losing for a second time to the Ukrainian, Fury sent shockwaves through the sport by declaring he was hanging up his gloves. In a video uploaded to social media, he said: "Hi everybody, I'm going to make this short and sweet. I'd like to announce my retirement from boxing. It's been a blast, I've loved every single minute of it. I'm going to end with this. Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody, see you on the other side. Get up!".
The 36-year-old has been teasing fans about a possible comeback to boxing, and recent training footage with coach SugarHill Steward has fuelled the rumours. The two-time heavyweight champion is set for a return after confirmation from Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh who took to social media to announce: "The 'Gypsy King' will be back! ! ! I talked with him, and I have his word to have him in Riyadh Season in 2026...We have a rabbit to hunt!" Not one to shy away, Fury echoed the sentiment on his social media, saying: "Let's see what 2026 brings," coupled with a string of laughing emojis and dollar signs.
Despite being defeated twice by Oleksandr Usyk, Fury staunchly believes he took home the victory in their rematch last December. He made his feelings known, "My last fight was a clear f****** victory for The Gypsy King. Anybody in boxing can see that. A complete load of dogs***.
"I want a fair fight, I don't want any favours, I want a fair fight and a fair result. Which I know I didn't [get]. I thought I won it by five rounds. I watched it 250 times. Each way I never see it as a way for him to win. They can do what they want. If they say it's Tuesday it's Tuesday."
When is Tyson Fury's next fight?Following the announcement of his return to competitive boxing, Fury revealed that a third bout between him and Usyk is set for April 18, 2026, at Wembley Stadium. The 36-year-old shared a fight poster on Instagram, along with the caption: "April 18, 2026 Wembley Stadium. The trilogy! UK. contact @spencerbrownmrgoldstar for tickets."
In response to Fury's post, Sergey Lapin, the head of Team Usyk and CEO of Ready To Fight, issued a statement: "The idea of a third fight with Tyson Fury has been on the table between our teams ever since their second bout. And I have never had any doubt that, together with Goldstar Promotions, we could turn it into a reality.
"Right now, both Oleksandr Usyk and our team are fully focused on the upcoming fight with Dubois on July 19 and on achieving the historic goal of becoming a three-time undisputed world champion. As you’ve probably noticed, focus and total commitment are at the core of the champion’s and the team’s strategy. When this goal — three-time undisputed — is accomplished, and the dust settles, we’ll be open for the next round."
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