On December 21, a significant moment in boxing history unfolded in Riyadh when heavyweight titans Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk squared off in a rematch that had fans buzzing. The bout aired live on TNT Sports Box Office, drawing attention from boxing enthusiasts worldwide. Fury, at 36 years old, despite not securing a victory, demonstrated remarkable fortitude by pushing Usyk, recognized as a generational talent, to his limits. As the dust settles on this memorable encounter, Fury’s camp faces the imperative of reassessing their strategies moving forward, paving the way for various possible scenarios in the heavyweight division.
### Fury-Usyk III?
The specter of a potential trilogy looms large over the boxing landscape. Had Fury emerged victorious in Riyadh, a definitive rubber match would have seemed all but guaranteed. This notion was echoed by Fury himself in an interview leading up to the highly anticipated fight, where he stated, “When I win on Saturday night, I think there’s got to be a trilogy next year for sure,” during a conversation with Al Arabiya. His comments underscored the significance he placed not only on this rematch but also on the prospect of defining their rivalry through a third encounter.
Fury’s previous experiences with trilogies, notably against Deontay Wilder over three electrifying bouts between 2018 and 2021, add weight to the notion of Fury-Usyk III. Each meeting with Wilder escalated in intensity, culminating in a spectacular 11th-round knockout victory for Fury. Such dynamics make the concept of a trilogy enticing, contingent upon both fighters’ willingness to engage again and their physical condition following a taxing battle. Should both champions be inclined to meet once more, the force behind boxing’s authority figures is likely to endorse this monumental contest, which could ultimately serve to crown a definitive heavyweight champion of the modern era.
### AJ Showdown?
As discussions surrounding Fury’s future unfold, the possibility of a showdown with fellow British boxer Anthony Joshua emerges. After the protracted negotiations for Fury and Usyk to face each other, fans are left wondering if Fury would pivot towards grappling with Joshua. With both pugilists aging—Fury at 36 and Joshua at 35—the clock is ticking on arranging a bout that has long been anticipated by fans and commentators alike. Joshua’s recent knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley has not diminished his star power, ensuring that the allure of a fight against Fury remains tantalizing.
Fury has hinted at the necessity of a clash with Joshua, citing it as a match that must occur regardless of either fighter’s recent performance. “At the end of the day, it would be a travesty if we didn’t fight,” he proclaimed. Fury expressed a sentiment that age and past defeats should not deter them from engaging in battle. He laid out a vision where they could even meet in their advancing years, emphasizing the importance of not missing an opportunity to settle what has been an enduring rivalry.
### The Retirement Speculation
Amid the swirling discussions about potential matchups, speculation about retirement starts to surface. With Fury approaching the milestone of 37 years next year and having endured a demanding career filled with intense fights, the subject of retirement becomes increasingly relevant. His immediate reactions post-fight hinted at an ambiguous stance on his future. When asked about continuing his boxing career, Fury stated, “I’m having some time off. I might do, I might not. Who knows? We’ll talk about that next year.”
Retirement, while not the prevailing choice among fans, remains a potential path, as Fury hinted at how he is frequently bombarded with advice about stepping away from the sport. However, the determined fighter asserted, “I ain’t retiring – I’ve got two fights with Usyk for the undisputed, twice.” He elaborated on his ambitions, which include bouts against Joshua and possibly a rematch with Francis Ngannou, suggesting that his boxing journey is far from over.
### Watching the Action
For those eager to catch the rematch, there are several platforms to access the Fury-Usyk fight. Fans with EE TV can purchase the event via their STB on channel 494. Virgin Media customers can find the event in the On-Demand section or the Pay-Per-View events rail according to their set-top box. Moreover, Prime Video offers access to the event without requiring an active Prime or discovery+ subscription, liberating viewers to enjoy live events seamlessly. The streaming service’s association with TNT Sports in the UK provides an inclusive platform for boxing aficionados.
As the heavyweight landscape evolves following the Fury-Usyk rematch, speculations and prospects abound. The fervent hopes for trilogy bouts, super fights, and prolonged careers will keep the boxing community engaged as these athletes navigate their future paths in the sport.
