Oleksandr Usyk says he would face Anthony Joshua for a third time if a fight with Tyson Fury fails to materialise next year.
Unified heavyweight world champion, Usyk confirmed that he would not be ready to face WBC titlist, Fury in December requiring time to recover from injuries and desiring time with his family following his rematch win over Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia last month.
The 35-year-old, who defended his WBA ‘super’, IBF and WBO crowns recently announced plans for three fights before he hangs up his gloves, with Fury, Canelo and a homecoming bout in his native Ukraine his main targets.
The former undisputed cruiserweight champion has opened the door to a third showdown with ‘AJ’, should a clash with ‘The Gypsy King’ fail to materialise.
“Tyson Fury has said that he is the King of all Kings, and he will beat and kill everyone, he’s calling everyone bums,” Usyk told Parimatch.
‘I want to fight against him, but I am not thinking about Fury at this moment.
“I just want to rest. I want to enjoy being home, and just to relax and be happy.
“Also to do something in my garden, to repair the electricity in my house.
“Speaking about my future retirement, I’m thinking about it and talking about it with my sons.
“I really want to have a fight at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv, a bout there could be the point when I’m ready to finish my career.
“If Fury doesn’t agree I think we could try to have another fight. We already had a match in London and in Saudi Arabia as well, so the next one could be at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv.”
Fury and Joshua are currently in negotiations for a clash in Cardiff on December 3, although the former said on Monday he was moving on from a potential bout after ‘AJ’ failed to sign the contract by his deadline of 5pm.
Joe Joyce put himself in line for a mandatory shot at Usyk after stopping Joseph Parker on Saturday to secure the WBO Interim title.
The ‘Juggernaut’ called for a meeting with Usyk immediately after his victory and the Ukrainian says he could fight the Brit but only after he’s faced Fury first.
“I can probably do it. But after Fury.”
