What next for Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk after heavyweight title rematch?
Tyson Fury suffered a second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh on Saturday night, with the Ukrainian winning by unanimous points decision. The PA news agency has analysed the potential implications of this classic heavyweight rivalry.
Following his loss, Fury was hesitant to reveal whether he would retire after being defeated by Usyk. Despite no indications of retirement, it's clear that Fury remains a formidable force in the division, even if his prime may be behind him.
It's likely that Fury will continue fighting for more pay days and the sense of purpose boxing brings to his life. Promoter Eddie Hearn suggests that Anthony Joshua is the only significant opponent left for Fury.
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The all-British showdown could potentially sell out Wembley due to its box office appeal. Both rivals have recently experienced losses, with Joshua being knocked out by Daniel Dubois in October.
However, a fight between them would still guarantee a substantial pay day and domestic bragging rights. Crucially, both are available, in similar positions, and there are no titles to complicate negotiations.
A trilogy fight against Usyk has been suggested, but the unified champion’s superiority is evident, making it difficult to generate interest in another match between them. The question now is, where does Usyk’s path lead?
After a gruelling bout with Fury, the Ukrainian boxer is expected to take on the winner of Daniel Dubois' IBF world title defence against Joseph Parker on 22 February. Dubois, who was knocked out by Usyk in August 2023, challenged him after his fight on Saturday.
However, Parker could potentially upset these plans. Usyk is eager for a rematch with Dubois and has urged Saudi Arabian boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh to arrange it as he aims to become the undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time.
His primary goal is to add the IBF belt to his WBA, WBC and WBO titles. As he approaches his 38th birthday next month, there's nothing left for Usyk to prove.
He's an Olympic gold medallist and undisputed champion in two weight classes, and his second victory over Fury is the highlight of his professional career. Having defeated the heavyweight division's top contenders - Fury, Joshua and Dubois - twice each, the only question remaining is where he ranks among the division's all-time greats.
His strategic prowess in the ring would certainly give him a fighting chance against the best. So, who's next?
The boxing world is buzzing with anticipation to see how Dubois will progress following his impressive win over Joshua. However, the name that's really got everyone talking is Moses Itauma.
The 19 year old has lived up to the hype surrounding him, as evidenced by his swift 75-second defeat of Demsey McKean on the undercard. Despite McKean being his most challenging opponent to date, Itauma simply secured his ninth early victory in 11 matches.
This promising British boxer packs a punch and is quickly establishing himself as one to watch.