Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk fight for the second time this year on December 21 in Saudi Arabia.
In their first fight, Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) defeated Fury by 12-round majority decision. Fury (34-1-1, 14 KOs) suffered the first defeat of a 16-year professional career that night.
WATCH: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2, live on DAZN
While Fury is determined to avenge that loss at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh next month, a second loss to the Ukrainian will likely lead to questions over his fighting future.
Fury has claimed retirement many times in the past, but while evening the score against Usyk would open a lot of doors for bouts in 2025, a score of 2-0 between the duo may lead to one — or both — calling it a career.
The Sporting News explains the possible scenarios, post-rematch, below.
Will there be a Usyk vs. Fury trilogy?
If Usyk posts a second victory over “The Gypsy King”, then forget about it. With the Ukrainian 2-0 up, the book would surely be closed on this rivalry and both men would move on.
However, if Fury can avenge the lone loss of his professional career, then demand for a third encounter will be high. And if the second fight is a classic, then the rubber match is a cash cow.
The heavyweight division loves trilogy fights and Usyk vs. Fury could join Patterson vs. Johannson, Ali vs. Frazier, Ali vs. Norton, Holyfield vs. Bowe, and Fury vs. Wilder.
Will Oleksandr Usyk fight again if he wins Tyson Fury rematch?
Even though he’s only had 23 professional fights, Usyk doesn’t have many more dragons to slay. The 37-year-old lefty holds wins over Fury, Anthony Joshua (twice) and Daniel Dubois.
Should he defeat Fury a second time, then he might want to renew ties with Dubois, who now holds the IBF title. This would give Usyk the chance to win the undisputed heavyweight championship for a second time.
There are other high-quality heavyweights out there such as Joseph Parker, Martin Bakole and Agit Kabayel, but they need Usyk a lot more than he needs them.
MORE: SN’s Top 12 best heavyweight boxers
Will Tyson Fury fight again if he loses Oleksandr Usyk rematch?
If Fury loses again, then one can’t dismiss the possibility of retirement.
However, if The Gypsy King is to continue with his career, then the long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua would be the biggest fight available for both men.
Will Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua happen in 2025?
Opinions vary on whether Fury vs. Joshua will lose its luster if the former suffers a second loss to the Ukrainian.
But while it will never be as big as it once was, this all-British showdown would remain a colossal event with a lot of intrigue towards who would win.
Will the boxing Gods allow this one to happen, or is Fury vs. Joshua forever snakebitten?
