Neither Tyson Fury nor Oleksandr Usyk wanted to be drawn on their next move in the immediate aftermath of Saturday's world championship fight.
Usyk defended his unified WBO, WBA and WBC heavyweight titles when he handed Fury a unanimous points defeat to repeat the victory he achieved earlier this year in May.
It was a bittersweet result for Fury. The Briton was adamant he deserved the decision, but after two successive defeats against the same opponent, Fury will most likely have to go in a different direction. The heralded trilogy with Usyk has lost some of its luster, although both of their fights were close, enthralling contests fought at the highest level.
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Tyson Fury delivers his verdict right after his loss to Oleksandr Usyk
Fury would not speculate on whether he would ever box again. “Maybe I won't,” he said at the post-fight press conference. “I'm going home and have free time.”
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Tyson Fury shares his honest thoughts after second loss to Oleksandr Usyk
But there are attractive options for him besides Usyk. Not only because he has a ready rival in the British Anthony Joshua.
Top Rank's Bob Arum, who promotes Fury, told Sky Sports that the fight could and should take place in the UK.
“That fight has to be in the UK at Wembley Stadium, that's where it belongs. Otherwise, if you keep taking these big fights out of the local area, you're doing a disservice to the sport and the excitement that the sport brings,” said Arum.
“Wembley is rubbish.”
Could Tyson Fury face Anthony Joshua next in long-hyped British fight?
Brad Jacobs, chief executive, told Sky Sports: “It's a fight that fans in the UK want regardless of what the guys have done in the ring recently or not. Depending on what other fights are on the horizon that could to be soon or maybe down the line or maybe not happen, we'll have to see.”
Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, agrees that a fight with Fury could fill Wembley Stadium. “It would be an instant sell-out,” he told Sky Sports.
“This is definitely the only fight for Tyson Fury and other than the Dubois rematch, it's obviously the only fight for AJ. After a fight like that, and knowing how disappointing Fury is going to be, I don't think it's time to start calling it him.
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Johnny Nelson reflects on Tyson Fury's loss to Oleksandr Usyk and believes his next move won't be a fight with Anthony Joshua
“Has there ever been a better time? Both have defeats, both at the end of their careers. One at Wembley, one in Riyadh, two fights in 2025.”
Ukraine's Usyk may no longer be undisputed, dropping his IBF belt to pursue this rematch with Fury, but he's still undefeated and still ranked #1 in the division.
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Daniel Dubois is seeking a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk following the Ukrainian's win over Tyson Fury
Already the undisputed two-weight champion, Usyk could become a three-time champion if he boxes and defeats the winner of Daniel Dubois' fight with Joseph Parker.
However, his legacy is certain. He has already beaten Dubois in the fight for the 2023 World Championship, stopping him at the distance as well.
Usyk could retire as a sports legend if he wanted to.
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Watch highlights from Oleksandr Usyk's press conference where he talks about his win over Tyson Fury, facing Daniel Dubois and wanting to take a break from boxing
“Usyk will sit back and enjoy Christmas. Daniel Dubois is a great option if he fights Joseph Parker,” said former world champion and Sky Sports boxing expert Johnny Nelson.
“The world is Usyk's oyster, so he will go where the biggest money is. He has to capitalize on the position he has.
“But who's there? IBF champion Daniel Dubois. But will Usyk wait that long because Daniel Dubois has to fight first. I don't think he's going to retire to cruiserweight.”
Sky Sports commentator Andy Clarke suggested: “Ride off into the sunset. What a career, what an ambassador for the sport, he's done everything he can.
“335 wins and 15 losses as an amateur, one of which came in his first fight. Undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion – what else is there to do? Nothing to do. Just get out now.
“His health is intact,” he concluded. “Just get to the very top.”
Replays of the big heavyweight rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will be shown from 8:00am and 6:00pm on Sunday 22 December on Sky Sports Box Office. Book Usyk vs Fury 2 replay now!