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Oleksandr Usyk's management team has dismissed Tyson Fury's recent suggestion that negotiations are underway for a third fight between the heavyweights.

Fury indicated he had moved on from pursuing Anthony Joshua and was now focused on securing another clash with Usyk, whom he lost to twice in 2024. The Ukrainian's camp called that characterization inaccurate, per ESPN.

Usyk Team Denies Back-Up Plan Role

The rebuttal comes as Fury continues to explore options after talks with Joshua stalled. Usyk's representatives made clear they are not waiting in reserve while Fury sorts out other business.

Both previous meetings went Usyk's way. He took a split decision in their first encounter last May, then won more convincingly by unanimous decision in December to retain the WBA, WBC, and WBO titles.

No timeline has been confirmed for Usyk's next defense. His team has not ruled out a trilogy fight entirely but emphasized any such bout would need to be negotiated on equal terms, not as a fallback option for the Brit.

Reported via:

  • ESPN Boxing — Usyk's camp say he's not Fury's 'back-up plan'

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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