Heavyweight boxing continues its unpredictable dance, with former champion Tyson Fury injecting a significant — albeit contested — detail into the future landscape. Via a social media post, Fury recently asserted that his potential trilogy bout against unified champion Oleksandr Usyk is scheduled to take place on April 18 at London`s iconic Wembley Stadium.
Fury`s Direct Assertion
The announcement came directly from the British boxer, specifying both the date and the high-profile venue for what would be a rubber match following two prior encounters. This declaration by Fury set a clear marker for a potential date, providing a concrete timeline for a fight that many in the sport have speculated upon since their last meeting.
Team Usyk Presents a Different Immediate Focus
However, this swift announcement appears to outpace the immediate plans articulated by Oleksandr Usyk`s camp. Sergey Lapin, a key figure within Team Usyk, provided a contrasting perspective. While acknowledging that a third fight with Fury “has been on the table,” Lapin emphasized that the team`s current and total commitment is directed towards Usyk`s upcoming mandatory title defense against Daniel Dubois. This bout is scheduled for July 19th, also at Wembley Stadium.
Lapin`s statement underscored that the focus is squarely on the Dubois challenge. He indicated that considerations for the “next round” – implying a potential third fight with Fury – would only be genuinely open “when this goal – [becoming] three-time undisputed – is accomplished, and the dust settles” from the Dubois fight. This positions the Usyk vs. Fury trilogy as contingent upon Usyk successfully navigating his next defense, directly contradicting Fury`s suggestion of an earlier, fixed date.
Context and Future Prospects
A meeting between Fury and Usyk in April would mark the first time the rivals have fought in the UK. Their previous two contests, where Usyk secured victories (a split decision win followed by a unanimous decision), both occurred in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This potential shift in location adds another layer of intrigue to the proposed fight.
Adding another dimension to his immediate fighting intentions, Fury also recently commented on his desired path, stating a preference for the Usyk rematch to gain “revenge” after his two defeats. He added that if the Usyk trilogy doesn`t materialize as he hopes, his focus would then shift to a massive all-British showdown against Anthony Joshua, a bout he described as potentially “the biggest British boxing fight that will ever happen.”
Further muddying the waters regarding future plans and locations, Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, also took to social media to state he had received Fury`s “word” for an appearance in “Riyadh Season in 2026.” While a later date than Fury`s April claim, this highlights the ongoing influence of Saudi Arabia in securing major heavyweight contests and adds yet another potential timeline into the mix for Fury`s future.
An Unpredictable Path
Fury`s career path has often been marked by unexpected turns, including previous retirement announcements followed by returns to the ring. His assertion of a specific date and venue for the Usyk trilogy, juxtaposed with the Usyk camp`s focus on an earlier, different fight, reflects the dynamic and often uncertain nature of negotiations at the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.
While Fury`s declaration sets a potential, ambitious date, the definitive next step for the heavyweight landscape, and specifically for the much-discussed Usyk vs. Fury trilogy, remains subject to confirmation and the outcomes of scheduled bouts. The boxing world, as ever, awaits official clarity.
Murray Blackwood