Promoter Frank Warren, who speaks for Tyson Fury, explained why the Briton is hesitant to commit to a megafight with Ukrainian champion Alexander Usyk. His remarks were reported by Boxing Social as part of the ongoing discussion around Fury’s schedule and readiness. Warren emphasized that Fury will not be ready for a December showdown, noting that the challenger just completed a grueling contest and will need time to recover before resuming training. Once training resumes, there will be roughly five to six weeks before a potential bout with Usyk, making a December clash unfeasible. This timeline adds a layer of expectation for fans who have watched the Fury-Usyk saga evolve over the past year and a half.
Earlier in the year, reports indicated the Fury versus Usyk fight, initially slated for April 2023, faced multiple disruptions and transfers that pushed it into December, and then further adjustments. The back-and-forth has kept both camps focused on ensuring proper preparation, with neither side willing to compromise on health or performance for the sake of a date. The dynamic speaks to the broader reality of scheduling at the elite level, where timing, conditioning, and risk management intersect with lucrative pay-per-view potential.
Alexander Usyk remained active at the time, stepping back into the ring in Poland on August 26 and defeating British contender Daniel Dubois. That victory allowed Usyk to consolidate and defend his multiple sanctioning titles across the IBF, WBO, IBO, and WBA, reinforcing his status as a unified heavyweight leader. The accomplishment demonstrated Usyk’s ongoing momentum and his ability to prevail against formidable opponents when the ring is finally available for a world championship match.
On the other side of the ledger, Tyson Fury secured a triumph in Saudi Arabia on October 29, defeating former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in a highly anticipated cross-sport bout. The event underscored Fury’s continued draw and capacity to headline major international events, even as the business around a potential confrontation with Usyk remained in flux. The result fed into ongoing speculation about when and how Fury would next return to the ring and which opponent would most plausibly underpin a unification or title-defending narrative for the next chapter of his career.
In recent conversations, Usyk has reportedly considered a range of options, including exploring MMA opportunities, before refocusing on the heavyweight scene in boxing. The evolving stance from Usyk’s team—combined with Fury’s meticulous approach to training and match readiness—suggests that the path to a Fury-Usyk showdown will depend as much on timing and health as on contractual negotiations. For boxing fans, the core message remains simple: both champions are evaluating the calendar, the risk-reward math of a return, and the best way to maximize legacy with a title on the line. The dialogue continues to unfold across press conferences, interviews, and official statements from promoters and management, all contributing to a compelling narrative about two of the sport’s most enduring figures.