Tyson Fury after his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. (Image: Getty)
has reportedly told his family and friends “it’s not over” despite to . In what proved another absorbing heavyweight contest, Fury again went the distance with his Ukrainian rival, but fell short of regaining his title belts.
Usyk was up 116-112 on all three judges’ scorecards, and while many disputed the wide margin of his victory, few could deny that the right man was declared the winner.
In the immediate aftermath of his second career defeat, Fury was coy on his boxing future, responding to being asked in his press conference if fans would see him in a ring again by saying: “You might do, you might not.”
Fury, 36, has since flown back to the UK having pledged to take time off and spend Christmas with his family. He previously claimed during his three-month training camp in Malta.
According to though, ‘The Gypsy King’ has told those closest to him that “it’s not over,” in terms of his career. Although the prospect of unifying the heavyweight division now looks beyond him, a lucrative bout with remains on the cards.
Joshua’s promoter was in Riyadh on the weekend. And straight after watching Fury’s defeat, he was talking up a long-awaited clash between the two British rivals for 2025.
Anthony Joshua has not fought since his September defeat to Daniel Dubois. (Image: Getty)
“There’s only one fight for Tyson Fury and that’s Anthony Joshua,” he said. “It’s the biggest fight probably in the history of British boxing. Everyone will always want to see it. For me, AJ against Fury is the one, it’s the one at Wembley. It will be a huge global event.”
Hearn is reportedly looking at a two-fight deal, with the first clash taking place in London and the second in Saudi. Each fight could be worth up to £250million, despite neither man currently holding the status of world champion.
And Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, has also voiced hope that his man will take on Joshua rather than opt for retirement. “It’s what people will want to watch,” he said. “The Fury v Joshua fight is a great fight and if it happens it will be a mega fight, it will be brilliant.
“But it will only happen if Tyson wants to do it and that’s a big if. And if he doesn’t want to do it, then so be it. But look, Tyson’s a fighting man, that’s what he’s driven by, that’s what gives him a sense of purpose.”
Like Fury, ‘AJ’ has also endured two defeats to Usyk. The 37-year-old is now expected to grant a rematch with Daniel Dubois, which would again give him the opportunity to unify the heavyweight division.