Why Usyk gave up the WBO belt to pursue the Tyson Fury trilogy

When Oleksandr Usyk unified the heavyweight division after defeating Tyson Fury in May 2024, the boxing world erupted in awe. He became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. However, just months later, Usyk finds himself at a crossroads that may force him to vacate the WBO belt—all for the sake of pursuing something far more lucrative and legacy-defining: a trilogy fight with Tyson Fury.

The question arises: Why would a reigning undisputed champion willingly let go of one of his most prized possessions? The answer lies in a mix of governing body politics, financial incentives, and the pull of a historic rivalry.

WBO Orders Usyk to Face Hrgović

Shortly after the Fury fight, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) issued a mandatory order: Usyk must defend his title against top contender Filip Hrgović. The timeline was strict—negotiations had to be concluded within 30 days, or the fight would go to purse bids. If no agreement was reached and Usyk refused, he would be stripped of the title.

The problem? Usyk and his team were already deep in negotiations with Fury’s camp for a highly anticipated rematch, set tentatively for December 2025 in Saudi Arabia.

| USYK: I respect the WBO, but there is unfinished business with Tyson. That comes first.

The WBO’s mandatory order threw a wrench into those plans. But Usyk’s camp didn’t back down. Promoter Alex Krassyuk even hinted that vacating the WBO belt may be the only realistic way forward.

Why the Fury Trilogy Is More Important

Let’s not sugarcoat it: money talks. A third fight with Tyson Fury is estimated to bring in over $100 million combined in purses, pay-per-view sales, and sponsorship deals. The magnitude of this rivalry is unprecedented in modern heavyweight boxing.

| KRASSYUK: The trilogy is boxing history in the making. The WBO belt matters, but legacy matters more.

The global appeal of the Usyk–Fury rivalry has already produced record-breaking numbers. Their first fight in Riyadh brought in over 1.5 million PPV buys, with sold-out tickets in under 24 hours. Fans, analysts, and even former champions like Lennox Lewis have begged for a second—and possibly third—showdown.

Choosing Fury over Hrgović isn’t a snub; it’s a business move. Hrgović is a dangerous contender, but he doesn’t bring the same star power or financial reward.

The Risk: Legacy vs. Titles

By vacating the WBO belt, Usyk would technically no longer be the undisputed heavyweight champion. That’s a massive hit—at least on paper. Some critics argue that letting go of a belt undermines the very idea of being “undisputed.”

But does it really?

| ROY JONES JR.: Usyk already proved he’s the best. One belt won’t change that.

In truth, boxing’s alphabet soup of belts often confuses fans more than it helps. If Usyk beats Fury a second time, regardless of whether he still holds the WBO strap, his place in history is secure.

The Hrgović Factor: A High-Risk, Low-Reward Fight

There’s also the risk that Filip Hrgović poses. The Croatian fighter is strong, hungry, and undefeated. Yet, he’s not a big draw in terms of global audience. A slip-up against him could derail everything—both financially and historically.

| EDDIE HEARN: Hrgović is not just a mandatory. He’s a potential upset.

If Usyk takes the Hrgović fight and loses, the Fury trilogy might never happen. Worse yet, he could end his career with a blemish that overshadows the legendary run he’s had.

Saudi Arabia’s Role: A Powerful Influence

Saudi Arabia, which hosted the first fight and is eager to establish itself as the new capital of combat sports, is pushing hard for the Usyk–Fury trilogy. The Saudi Public Investment Fund is rumored to be offering massive financial incentives, including covering all promotional and venue costs.

| TURKI ALALSHIKH: We want the biggest fights, and Usyk vs. Fury is the biggest.

This kind of financial backing means Usyk would walk away with more than $50 million guaranteed, with additional upside from broadcast rights. In comparison, the Hrgović bout—though sanctioned by the WBO—may generate only a fraction of that.

The Fans Are Already Choosing

A quick scan of social media tells the story. #UsykFury3 is trending regularly. Boxing Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube communities are already speculating on the trilogy’s stakes, undercards, and venue.

| FAN COMMENT: I respect the belts, but we want the war again. Give us Fury vs Usyk, no matter what.

Even casual fans recognize that belts matter less than spectacle. What’s the point of a mandatory defense if nobody watches?

Legal & Contractual Implications

Of course, it’s not as simple as just “vacating” the belt. Usyk’s team would likely have to negotiate terms with the WBO, perhaps seeking an exception or delay. If they fail, and Usyk walks away from the mandatory, there’s talk of potential financial penalties—or even lawsuits.

| KRASSYUK: If we have to choose between courtrooms and history, we’ll take the ring.

According to British tabloid reports, Usyk might even be liable for financial damages in the millions if he breaks certain clauses—hence the dramatic (and likely exaggerated) headlines claiming he may need to “sell his house” to make it happen.

Fury’s Team: All In for the Rematch

On the other side, Tyson Fury has made it clear he wants the trilogy. After suffering the first official loss of his career, he’s hungry to reclaim his throne.

| FURY: I’ve got nothing but respect for Usyk, but I’m coming for my belts.

A fired-up, focused Fury is a promoter’s dream. And it’s not just for revenge—the money is too good to ignore. Fury also knows that beating Usyk would restore his place atop the sport.

What’s Next?

At this point, the clock is ticking. The WBO has given deadlines. Fury’s camp is waiting. Saudi Arabia is preparing checkbooks. And Usyk? He’s meditating, training, and calculating.

Vacating a belt is never an easy decision. It goes against the grain of what fighters train for their entire lives. But in this unique moment, the reward of a trilogy fight—of writing the final chapter in boxing’s biggest rivalry in decades—may be too big to resist.

| USYK: I will do what’s right for my legacy, my fans, and the sport.

Whether or not the WBO belt remains around his waist, one thing is clear: Oleksandr Usyk is fighting for history—not just hardware.

Usyk’s situation reveals how complex boxing politics can be. In an era where titles are often manipulated by sanctioning bodies, one man dares to prioritize legacy, narrative, and the spectacle. And millions will tune in—belt or no belt.