Tyson Fury has reportedly vowed to continue fighting, despite a second straight defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
Fury fell short in his attempt to reverse the sole loss on his professional record when he was beaten on points against Usyk in Riyadh last month, seven months after suffering the same outcome to the masterful Ukrainian.
Some prominent figures have called for ‘The Gypsy King’ to hang up his gloves once and for all, although he refused to comment on his future in the immediate aftermath of his defeat.
The 36-year-old took a near three-year absence after dethroning Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, battling depression and addiction and retired after defending his then-WBC heavyweight world title with victory over Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium in April 2022, only to return eight months later.
According to The Sun, Fury has told close friends that he has no plans to leave the sport, insisting “It’s not over.”
The lure of an all-British showdown with long-time rival Anthony Joshua could be a key factor in persuading Fury to continue, a bout which has been desired for years but failed to materialise on several occasions.
Joshua is coming off a devastating fifth round knockout defeat to IBF heavyweight world champion, Daniel Dubois and according to his promoter, Eddie Hearn the 34-year-old will return in May or June, with a showdown with Fury or a rematch with Dubois at the top of his hitlist.
A battle with fellow, former two-time heavyweight world champion, ‘AJ’ who has also lost twice to Usyk is the “only” fight of significance for ‘The Gypsy King’ in Hearn’s view.
“The reality is there’s only one fight for Tyson Fury,” the Matchroom boss said to DAZN.
“And that’s Anthony Joshua.
“It’s the biggest fight probably in the history of British boxing.
“Everyone will always want to see it.
“That wasn’t a Tyson Fury that looked finished.
“It wasn’t a flat performance, wasn’t a poor performance.
“He didn’t look gun shy, he didn’t look like his punch resistance was in question.
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“So I think Tyson Fury is still potentially at the peak of his powers, just not good enough to beat Oleksandr Usyk tonight.
“But for me, AJ against Fury is the one.
“It’s the one at Wembley [Stadium] and then it’s back out here for Riyadh Season [for the rematch].”
