Besides Oleksandr Usyk Rematch, 3 Possible Opponents Tyson Fury Can Fight Next

Tyson Fury came to Saudi Arabia confident, in peak fitness condition, and with the resolve to showcase his boxing acumen. However, he left the Kingdom Arena with a loss to his record column as he went to war against Oleksandr Usyk. While the British boxer is keen to avenge a loss that he believes he didn’t deserve, he has his work cut out to make proper adjustments. But what if he decides to take a detour and fight someone else before heading into the rematch?

‘The Gypsy King’ almost got floored in the ninth round against the newly crowned undisputed heavyweight champion. So, Fury has been bettered and bruised and might take a different route before challenging for the straps. But who should the former WBC champion be targeting? Is it the time for the British clash that fans have been waiting for nearly a decade?

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua: The British showdown

Anthony Joshua and Fury have been at each other’s throats for a long time now. The two even came close to meeting in 2021, only for the fight to falter later on. ‘AJ’s resurgence in 2023, as he racked up three wins and a follow-up win against Francis Ngannou, has put him at the forefront of the heavyweight division.

A matchup between the two would be any British promoter’s dream come true, as the probable fight might shatter some PPV records. There is history and bad blood between them, and both stand at the top of the heavyweight division. Moreover, the fight promises exciting action and has high stakes. This has all the ingredients to keep fans hooked to their screens, and they will not shy away from shelling out money to witness it live as well.

The probable fight might also be a final dance for Joshua, 37, and Fury, 35, as a loss will effectively curtail their careers and extinguish their chances of having a title run. Fury might be the favorite coming into the fight. In case the Manchester native decides to pick someone else, he won’t be blamed, as he has picked apart almost every top name in the division. But a fight against Agit Kabayel will also attack eyeballs.

‘The Gypsy King’ vs. Kabayel: easing his way to the top

If Fury’s camp decides to set up a tune-up fight before they take on the mighty Ukrainian champion, they won’t be wrong in their approach. After Kabayel’s splendid win against Frank Sanchez, he is the current WBC interim heavyweight champion. He is in the queue to face Usyk if situations and circumstances work out in his favor. But that will take some time.

Before the German fighter decides to sit on his title opportunity, which may or may not come knocking on his door given the long list of suitors Usyk has, he can choose to try his luck against Fury. On the other hand, a fight against Kabayel will be the easiest on this list for Fury. The 34-1-1 record holder will fix his minor issues, make some adjustments, and cruise to victory. However, that might not sit well with some hardcore fans, as they expect Fury to bow out fighting top heavyweights. And he is in luck, as a fight next month ticks all the boxes.

Fury vs. the winner of Filip Hrgovic vs. Daniel Dubois

Everyone is expecting the winner of Filip Hrgovic vs. Daniel Dubois to bag the IBF title that the sanctioning body might take away from Usyk. While there are plans for Joshua to go after the winner in a September timeline, these might get derailed if Fury decides to insert himself into those talks.

Fury could maintain his champion’s title if he fights the winner of Hrgovic vs. Dubois next. That might also help him push for a unification bout later. However, the IBF gold might not allow him the flexibility that the WBC one had provided. But a title sure does give a boost to one’s bargaining power when negotiating terms. Whether or not Fury decides to pursue the fight remains to be seen.

What do you make of Tyson Fury’s loss against Oleksandr Usyk on May 18? Who do you believe he should fight next if he decides against the rematch? Let us know in the comments below.