Usyk not Tyson Fury’s ‘back-up plan’

Tyson Fury’s assertion that he is targeting a third fight with Oleksandr Usyk has been dismissed by the Ukrainian’s managers. Negotiations for a heavyweight bout between Fury and Anthony Joshua in November are ongoing, but Fury claims Joshua is attempting to back out of the agreement. Fury has been posting messages on social media to Usyk, inviting the unbeaten 39-year-old to step in and complete their trilogy.

However, Usyk’s manager, Sergey Lapin, stated to Sky Sports News that Usyk is not "Tyson’s back-up plan." Lapin added that if Fury needs an opponent, he should check the Ready to Fight platform, which can help him find a worthy adversary. Usyk vacated his three heavyweight titles in June following his victory over Rico Verhoeven.

Despite his retirement, Usyk has not indicated any intention to step away from the sport. Fury insisted on Sunday that he has given up on fighting Joshua, who "would never fight the Gypsy King," and announced his search for a new opponent. Fury and Joshua have already signed contracts for their fight, but negotiations have hit a dead end over the location, with Joshua reportedly insisting it take place in London, while other venues like New York's Madison Square Garden are also being considered.