Oleksandr Usyk ‘could step aside’ to allow Tyson Fury to fight Anthony Joshua

Promoter Bob Arum has stirred up the boxing world with his recent comments suggesting that Tyson Fury might veer away from a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk and instead opt for a showdown with Anthony Joshua. Despite the anticipated clash between Fury and Usyk for the undisputed crown on May 18 in Saudi Arabia, Arum hints at the possibility of Fury abandoning a rematch in favor of a mega-fight with Joshua later in 2024.

While the boxing community eagerly anticipates a second bout between Fury and Usyk before the year ends, Joshua’s recent triumph over Francis Ngannou has left his schedule open for potential matchups. With the IBF title potentially on the line, Joshua could face mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic if it’s vacated by the winner of the Fury-Usyk showdown. However, speculation persists about a blockbuster bout between Fury and Joshua materializing before the year’s end, with Arum suggesting that such a matchup could serve as the grand finale to Fury’s illustrious career.

Arum’s remarks imply that Fury might bypass a rematch with Usyk, influenced by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and the General Entertainment Authority. If Fury secures victory against Usyk and foregoes a rematch in favor of a bout against Joshua, it could mark a pivotal moment in his career. A showdown with Joshua, potentially held at Wembley in the UK, would be a fitting climax for Fury, adding an exclamation point to his already stellar career.

The tantalizing prospect of Fury facing Joshua instead of engaging in a rematch with Usyk adds a layer of intrigue to the heavyweight division. With both fighters possessing immense skill and drawing power, a matchup between Fury and Joshua could be one for the ages, captivating fans worldwide and cementing their legacies in boxing history. As the speculation mounts and the anticipation builds, all eyes remain on Fury’s next move and the potential for a seismic shift in the heavyweight landscape.

Eddie Hearn, the promoter for Anthony Joshua, has hinted at a potential twist in the saga of a much-anticipated bout between Tyson Fury and Joshua. While the initial plan was to stage the fight in Saudi Arabia, Hearn revealed that the Saudi sports minister, Al-Sheikh, is now considering the possibility of hosting two bouts—one in Saudi Arabia and another at Wembley Stadium.

In a conversation on The Sports Agents podcast, Hearn shared insights into Al-Sheikh’s evolving vision. “Quite amazingly, [Al-Sheikh] is now talking about staging two Fury vs AJ fights: One in Saudi Arabia and one at Wembley Stadium,” he disclosed. Hearn expressed optimism about the prospect of bringing one of the fights to the UK, citing the financial capacity of the Saudi organizers to support such an endeavor.

This revelation adds a new dimension to the negotiation process, as both fighters and their teams weigh the potential impact on their images and the financial incentives associated with each venue. Ultimately, the decision rests in the hands of Fury, Joshua, and their respective camps as they navigate the intricate landscape of international boxing politics and commercial interests.