Oleksandr Usyk has revealed he wants to face a familiar foe one more time and is hoping to return to action sooner than expected.
The bona fide heavyweight king was in negotiations for a clash against former world champion Deontay Wilder, only for their matchup to ultimately get abandoned.
This is because Wilder has instead inked a deal to face British veteran Derek Chisora on April 4, headlining a Misfits Pro and Queensberry card at the O2 Arena, London.
As a result, Usyk has seemingly been left to search for an alternative opponent, hoping to defend his WBC, IBF and WBA titles before long.
The Ukrainian became a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in July, orchestrating an emphatic fifth-round finish against Daniel Dubois, and has since claimed that he wishes to enter at least two more fights.
Prior to his stoppage of Dubois, Usyk scored back-to-back points victories over Tyson Fury in 2024, cementing himself as the greatest heavyweight of his era.
And while Fury announced his retirement shortly after their rematch, it was confirmed recently, following a year-long layoff, ‘The Gypsy King’ will return to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11.
With his old foe announcing his comeback fight, Usyk has told Seconds Out that he would welcome a trilogy clash with the 37-year-old while, at the same time, suggesting that he could return to the ring as early as March.
“Maybe March, I’m back in the ring.
I want [trilogy] fight with Tyson Fury, no problem. UK, Saudi Arabia, USA – doesn’t matter [where it takes place].”
Whether Usyk will, in fact, compete in March, it remains to be seen, but the 39-year-old nonetheless seems intrigued by a possible third encounter with Fury.
