Tyson Fury Says No to a Trilogy Fight with Usyk – What’s Happening?

In a move that has shocked fans and reignited debate across the boxing world, Tyson Fury has officially declared that he will not pursue a trilogy fight against Oleksandr Usyk, dashing hopes for one of the most anticipated bouts in heavyweight history. Despite speculation, media hype, and even a public tease from Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh, Fury insists that his boxing career is over.

This announcement comes after a dramatic two-fight series with Usyk, the current undisputed heavyweight champion, and signals the end of one of boxing’s most captivating careers.

A Rivalry That Could Have Been a Trilogy

Fury’s most recent fight with Usyk took place in December 2024, just ten months after their first clash. In that rematch, Fury appeared dominant through the early and middle rounds, utilizing his signature slick movement and sharp counterpunching. But as the fight wore on, Usyk once again surged in the championship rounds.

A pivotal moment occurred in the ninth round, when Usyk rocked Fury and seemed to score a knockdown – an event that sparked controversy after it wasn’t officially counted. Despite that, Usyk secured a split-decision win, leaving Fury visibly stunned and disheartened.

Following the defeat, Fury shocked the combat sports world by announcing his retirement. Yet, as is often the case in boxing, retirement didn’t silence the rumors of a potential return.

Turki Alalshikh Fuels the Fire – But Fury Puts It Out

On July 2, 2025, Saudi Arabian entertainment chief Turki Alalshikh poured gasoline on the rumor mill. He posted a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter):

“The Gypsy King will be back!!! I talked with him, and I have his word to have him in Riyadh Season in 2026 … We have a rabbit to hunt!”

The reference to a “rabbit” was no mystery – Fury has long mocked Usyk with that nickname. Fans immediately began speculating about a Riyadh Season trilogy bout, possibly the biggest heavyweight event of the modern era.

But just days later, Fury flatly denied any intention of fighting again. In an interview with Sky Sports, when asked if he’d ever return to the ring, he stated bluntly:

“Never, I’m too old. Boxing is a young man’s game.”

He went on to emphasize:

“I’m moving on. Boxing was my life, but it’s time to embrace the next chapter.”

The End of a Boxing Giant

At 36, Fury has accomplished nearly everything imaginable in boxing. His legendary upset of Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 ended a decade-long reign. He overcame depression, addiction, and weight gain to mount one of the greatest comebacks in sports, dominating Deontay Wilder across a trilogy that earned worldwide acclaim.

When he handed Usyk his only professional loss in early 2024, it seemed like Fury’s legend would only grow. But just months later, he suffered back-to-back losses to the Ukrainian technician – and with those defeats, his competitive fire seems to have finally burned out.

“I’ve been there, done that, and won it all,” Fury said. “People can say whatever they like, but I’m done. My legacy speaks for itself.”

What’s Next for Usyk and the Heavyweight Division?

With Fury stepping away definitively, all eyes turn to Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian now stands alone atop the heavyweight mountain, holding all four major world titles. But his future is also uncertain.

Usyk is 38 years old, and recent comments from his former promoter suggest that he too might be nearing retirement. His emphatic knockout of Daniel Dubois in July seemed like a final statement, yet the sport continues to call. Whether Usyk chooses to defend his titles against the WBO mandatory challenger Joseph Parker, return to cruiserweight, or even venture into MMA (as rumored in a potential crossover with Jake Paul), remains to be seen.

A Trilogy That Never Was

For fight fans, the absence of a Fury–Usyk trilogy will feel like a missed opportunity. The first two bouts were masterclasses of strategy, toughness, and skill. A third fight could have been the perfect tiebreaker—or redemption story—for either man. But it now appears destined to remain a “what if” in boxing history.

In truth, Fury has nothing left to prove. His unbeaten run, resilience through personal battles, and dramatic ring performances have secured him a place among the sport’s all-time greats.

The Final Word

Tyson Fury may have been the loudest voice in boxing, but his retirement message is silent and final:

“I’ve done everything I set out to do. It’s time to move on.”

Whether fans accept this final bell or continue hoping for one last return, one thing is certain — the Gypsy King has left an indelible mark on boxing. As the heavyweight landscape shifts and the next generation rises, Fury’s absence will be deeply felt.

No trilogy. No curtain call. Just a quiet exit from the chaos he once ruled.