Less than a month remains until the highly anticipated heavyweight unification bout between Tyson Fury, the reigning WBC champion, and Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBO, and IBF titles. Originally scheduled for February but postponed due to Fury’s injury, the showdown is set to take place on May 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
With a rematch clause in place, this clash is expected to be the first of two consecutive fights between the two giants of the ring. However, amidst the excitement, there’s a lingering desire among fans to see Fury face off against Anthony Joshua, particularly after Joshua’s impressive performances against Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou.
British fight fans have longed for a Fury-Joshua showdown, and with the possibility of a show at Wembley Stadium later this year, the timing seems perfect. However, Usyk, the current favorite for some oddsmakers, has his own dreams of a homecoming, despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has clarified that the organization has approved the Fury-Usyk fight along with a rematch. While acknowledging the public’s desire for a Fury-Joshua matchup, Sulaiman also recognizes Joshua’s recent resurgence and the significance of Usyk potentially bringing pride to Ukraine amidst adversity.
As Ukraine grapples with the challenges of war, boxing serves as a beacon of hope, with fighters like Serhii Bohachuk and Vasiliy Lomachenko seeking victories to uplift their nation. Should Usyk emerge victorious, it would be a momentous occasion for Ukrainian boxing and a source of inspiration for the country.
In the midst of these competing narratives, the boxing world eagerly awaits the outcome of the Fury-Usyk showdown, with the possibility of a Fury-Joshua clash looming on the horizon.