Twice defeated by Usyk, Fury faces contempt and the risk of falling again against Anthony Joshua

After his second consecutive defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury finds himself facing growing criticism and skepticism. Meanwhile, Usyk, the unified heavyweight boxing champion, has stirred the boxing world by backing Anthony Joshua to triumph over Fury in two potential clashes scheduled for 2025.

Oleksandr Usyk’s Prediction

Usyk (23-0, 12 KO) secured his second win over Fury (34-2-1, 24 KO) in a highly anticipated rematch in Riyadh last weekend. The victory further solidified Usyk’s dominance in the heavyweight division and cast doubts over Fury’s future. Having already bested Joshua (28-4, 25 KO) twice in 2021 and 2022, Usyk confidently predicted that Joshua would overcome Fury if the two British heavyweights meet in the ring.

When asked by Boxing King Media about the outcome of a Fury vs. Joshua fight, Usyk stated: “Maybe Anthony Joshua. I don’t know, maybe by decision.”

This bold prediction comes as no surprise, given Joshua’s physical advantages in strength, speed, and athleticism compared to Fury, whose recent performances have been underwhelming.

Fury’s Controversial Loss

Fury’s latest defeat to Usyk has not only tarnished his record but also ignited heated debates. The fight ended with a unanimous decision in favor of Usyk, with all three judges scoring it 116-112. Despite the clear loss, Fury controversially claimed that he should have won, further alienating some fans and critics. This unwillingness to accept defeat has damaged his reputation, painting him as a fighter who struggles to handle setbacks gracefully.

Many observers noted Fury’s decline during the bout, where he appeared slow and unable to counter Usyk’s superior technique. This performance has led some experts to question whether Fury’s best days are behind him. Even his most notable victory against Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 has been criticized for lacking dominance, as it relied heavily on defensive tactics and ineffective jabs.

The Clash with Joshua: A £250 Million Event

Despite his recent struggles, Fury remains a central figure in boxing, with a potential fight against Joshua being touted as “the biggest event in British boxing history.” Promoter Eddie Hearn is optimistic about the matchup, calling it a must-see event for fans around the globe.

“Tyson Fury has one fight left: Anthony Joshua,” Hearn told DAZN Boxing. “This will be the biggest fight in British boxing history, and everyone wants to see it. Fury is still full of energy. AJ vs. Fury is the fight to make. We’re aiming for one bout at Wembley and another in Riyadh.”

The stakes are monumental, with the fight expected to generate up to £250 million thanks to a packed Wembley Stadium and Saudi sponsorships. Both fighters could earn over £100 million each, making this event a historic financial milestone for the sport.

A Legacy on the Line

For Fury, the potential clash with Joshua represents more than just a massive payday—it is a chance for redemption. A victory could restore his status as one of the greatest heavyweights of his generation, while another loss might cement his decline and further tarnish his legacy.

As questions swirl around Fury’s physical and mental readiness, Joshua, with his superior conditioning and strategy, poses a significant threat. Will Fury rise to the challenge and prove his critics wrong, or will Joshua capitalize on Fury’s decline to claim the crown?