Oleksandr Usyk addresses potential Anthony Joshua trilogy bout after Tyson Fury rematch: "I have no right to deny Anthony a third fight" 

Ukrainian boxing star Oleksandr Usyk has welcomed a trilogy clash with Anthony Joshua after he settles unfinished business with Tyson Fury. Usyk is set to take on Fury in a rematch on Dec. 21, 2024.

The 37-year-old squashed the challenge of Fury earlier this year on May 18, with the judges scoring the bout 115-112,114-113, and 114-113 in favor of Usyk via split decision, With that win, he became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.

Speaking in an interview with Mail Sport in Poland, Usyk confirmed that he is open to the idea of a trilogy contest against Joshua. He said:

"I don't particularly want any rematches, but when we beat Tyson Fury for the second time and when Anthony Joshua beats Daniel Dubois, of course, they will want to do a third fight." [H/t: Daily Mail]

He added:

"From my point of view, I have no right to deny Anthony a third fight because he gave me two incredible fights. Anthony helped me become even more famous in the world. Anthony did it. And if it happens with God's help, then I am ready for a third fight with Anthony."

The undefeated Ukrainian boxer fought Joshua twice between September 2021 and August 2022. He put on a clinical display against Joshua in the first contest, scoring an emphatic unanimous decision win. He managed to overcome the rematch challenge with a gritty showcase by getting the better of the UK boxer via a split decision.

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Martin Bakole picks Tyson Fury to knock out Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch

Top-ranked heavyweight contender Martin Bakole has picked Tyson Fury to get the better of Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch on Dec. 21, 2024.

Having sparred with both fighters in the past, Bakole's stance is grounded in extensive first-hand experience. Previewing the upcoming clash in an interview with Sky Sports, he said:

"The only person I' m impressed with is Tyson Fury. He's a big guy, he moves a lot. He moves his head. Usyk a little bit. Usyk I sparred in a small ring so I always gave him a hard time." [H/t: Sky Sports]

Bakole added:

"I was surprised [when Usyk beat Fury]. I was not only surprised by Usyk, I was surprised by Tyson Fury's performance. He was playing. He was supposed to be focused like he was in the Deontay Wilder rematch. If he takes that mentality in the rematch I think he will stop Usyk like he did with Deontay."