Tyson Fury Abandons Joshua Fight, Challenges Oleksandr Usyk to November Trilogy

Tyson Fury (36-2-1) has scrapped plans to face Anthony Joshua, instead calling for a third bout against undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk in November 2026.

Tyson Fury (36-2-1) has declared his proposed heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua (30-4) officially off, pivoting instead to challenge Oleksandr Usyk (25-0) to a trilogy bout scheduled for November 2026. The announcement, delivered via a late Sunday Instagram video, follows a period of stalled negotiations regarding a lucrative all-British event that lacked a firm venue, date, or finalized financial structure. Fury explicitly targeted the Ukrainian fighter, who previously secured two decision victories over the Briton, including the May 2024 win that made Usyk the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years.

Usyk vs Fury Trilogy Terms

Fury directed his challenge toward the undefeated Usyk, demanding a response regarding a potential return to the ring this year. The Ukrainian vacated his three heavyweight world titles in June, citing a desire for one final performance before entering retirement. Fury acknowledged the previous results of their rivalry, noting that Usyk earned the decisions in their first encounter and the rematch seven months later. The British fighter questioned whether his rival was prepared to compete in 2026 or was calling quits on his professional career, stating that the ball is now in Usyk’s court as he begins the search for a new opponent.

Recent Performance Metrics and Results

Both heavyweights participated in tuneup bouts in July to prepare for their upcoming schedules. Fury secured a victory in his appearance, while Joshua narrowly avoided a shock defeat against Kristian Prenga. During that contest, Prenga knocked Joshua down twice before the former champion managed to secure the win. Usyk also competed recently, recording a stoppage victory over Rico Verhoeven in May. Despite the win, Usyk was described as appearing short of his peak form against Verhoeven, a Dutch kickboxer who was participating in only his second professional boxing match.

Breakdown of Failed Joshua Negotiations

In his social media address, Fury utilized expletives to label Anthony Joshua as weak-minded, suggesting a lack of courage prevented the finalization of the all-British showdown. The negotiations for the fight between the two former champions had dragged on significantly without resolving key financial questions. Fury asserted that Joshua’s perceived reluctance is the primary reason the matchup will not proceed, leading him to seek the third fight with Usyk instead. The 36-2-1 fighter emphasized that he is now actively looking for a new adversary to fill the November date.

Heavyweight Division Landscape in 2026

The current heavyweight landscape is defined by Usyk’s 25-0 record and his status as the man who twice outpointed Fury. While Joshua holds a 30-4 record, his recent vulnerability against Prenga has shifted the focus toward the potential trilogy. Usyk’s stated intention to have a "last dance" coincides with Fury’s push for a late-year event. As of September 7, 2026, no official contract has been signed for the November bout, but Fury’s public challenge sets the stage for a high-stakes conclusion to their three-fight series.