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Fury claims Joshua fight is off, calls for another Usyk rematch

Al Jazeera · 2026-09-07

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Tyson Fury has accused Anthony Joshua of backing out of their planned heavyweight boxing match and has challenged Oleksandr Usyk to a trilogy fight instead. • Why it matters: This development creates uncertainty around the highly anticipated Fury-Joshua clash, which was set for November, and raises questions about the future of both fighters in the heavyweight division. • What to watch next: Fans will be closely monitoring whether Joshua will confirm his participation in the fight or if Fury's challenge to Usyk will lead to a new matchup before the end of the year.

**Tyson Fury Claims Anthony Joshua Backs Out of Fight, Calls for Usyk Trilogy**

Tyson Fury has publicly accused Anthony Joshua of withdrawing from their highly anticipated heavyweight boxing match, prompting Fury to challenge Oleksandr Usyk for a third bout. This development has cast uncertainty over the planned clash between the two British boxing stars.

In a video posted on Instagram, Fury, 38, expressed his frustration with Joshua's apparent indecision regarding the fight. He referred to Joshua as a "coward" and criticized the lack of communication from Joshua's camp, which has left fans and pundits questioning the status of the fight. The two former heavyweight champions were expected to face off in November at Madison Square Garden in New York, a venue that has faced backlash from British boxing fans who prefer a location closer to home, such as Wembley Stadium.

Fury's comments come amid ongoing discussions about the fight, which many boxing enthusiasts have eagerly awaited. However, the lack of a confirmed agreement has led Fury to seek alternatives. In his recent remarks, he extended an invitation to Usyk, whom he has faced twice before, to meet him in the ring again.

"Oleksandr, you’re his trainer and his sensei, and you know he is … weak-minded … and that he would never fight the Gypsy King, which you have had the guts to do twice," Fury stated. He acknowledged Usyk's previous victories over him, saying, "You got the decisions last time, fair play to you. Good luck to you; let’s do it again. Let’s run it back in November."

Fury's challenge to Usyk reflects his desire to remain active in the ring, as he emphasized that he is now looking for a new opponent if Joshua continues to hesitate. "The ball is now in your court … do you want to fight me this year, 2026, or are you calling it quits?" he asked Usyk, highlighting his eagerness to secure a fight before the end of the year.

The situation surrounding the Fury-Joshua fight remains fluid, with both fighters having significant followings and reputations in the sport. As discussions continue, fans will be watching closely to see if Fury's challenge to Usyk materializes or if Joshua will ultimately decide to move forward with the fight.

As of now, the boxing community is left in suspense regarding the future of these high-profile matchups, with the potential for a trilogy fight between Fury and Usyk adding another layer of intrigue to the heavyweight division.

Source: Al Jazeera
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