Fury Concedes Trilogy Outcome Before It Happens

37-year-old Tyson Fury has doubts that judges will allow him to win on the cards against Oleksandr Usyk, effectively conceding the outcome of a trilogy before it could ever happen. 

While the first fight was a competitive split decision, 115–112 (Usyk), 114–113 (Fury), and 114–113 (Usyk), the rematch was a technical masterclass by Usyk. Fury dismissed the rematch loss to Usyk in December 21, 2024 (unanimous decision loss) as a “Christmas gift”, despite all three judges scoring it 116-112.

The Gypsy King has said he wants a trilogy fight, but has recognized that he may have to stop Usyk to get the win. Having spent over a year away from the ring since that defeat, Fury will face Arslan Makhmudov this weekend. Tyson has said that any third fight must happen with fair scoring.

Fury Reacts

"They may as well just give him the decision before we go in there. If I won 11 of 12 rounds, they’re going to give it to him by split decision. If it’s a fair fight with a fair result, then I’ll fight him anywhere," Fury said

The chances of Fury getting a third Usyk fight are slim anyway. Usyk’s focus has shifted toward the WBC mandatory challenger, Agit Kabayel (26-0, 18 KOs). Kabayel, the current WBC interim champion, has been vocal about being "ignored" by the division’s top stars and is officially owed a title shot following Usyk’s upcoming voluntary defense against Rico Verhoeven on May 23. 

Usyk has praised Kabayel’s high fight IQ and relentless body work—traits that earned the fighter a knockout over Zhilei Zhang: "Maybe I will fight Kabayel. "Maybe I don’t face Tyson Fury for a third time and I fight Kabayel instead." While a Fury trilogy is more lucrative, Usyk has hinted that he respects Kabayel as a "legitimate" sporting challenge.

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