Manager confirms that Oleksandr Usyk 'is not Tyson Fury's backup plan'

Unsurprisingly, Tyson Fury’s plan to fight Oleksandr Usyk and not Anthony Joshua in November has been dismissed by the Ukrainian’s manager.

Fury and Joshua have long been at the center of drawn-out talks regarding the all-British showdown. Joshua is still holding out for the bout to take place in the UK, as per his original contract, while Fury – known for his impatience – declared over the weekend the fight was dead and he would instead take on old rival Usyk.

Usyk twice defeated Fury in 2024 to confirm his status as this generation’s leading heavyweight.

In May, he endured an unexpected struggle with the 1-1 (1 KO) Rico Verhoeven and, a few weeks after scoring an 11^th round stoppage, relinquished his three heavyweight titles.

It’s since been widely reported that the 39-year-old is targeting a farewell showdown against fellow veteran Deontay Wilder.

Fury returned in April when he outpointed Arslanbek Makhmudov before winning a tune-up against 46-year-old Mariusz Wach in July. It had been expected that the Joshua showdown would follow, on November 20, with New York’s Madison Square Garden the likeliest venue.

However, Joshua remains determined that the bout should take place in London. Fury, who is happy with New York, announced Sunday he’d had enough and turned his attention to Usyk

“You got the decisions last time, fair play to you,” he said. “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.”

Usyk’s manager, Sergey Lapin, told Sky Sports that callouts on social media will not be entertained.

“Usyk is not Tyson’s backup plan. 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.”