Oleksandr Usyk's manager has firmly rejected Tyson Fury's suggestion for a third fight, highlighting ongoing doubts about a potential heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua. The negotiations for a long-anticipated bout between Fury and Joshua have stalled, primarily due to disagreements over the fight's venue.

On Monday, Fury took to social media, expressing his desire for a third match with Usyk after the Ukrainian defeated him twice by points in 2024, establishing himself as the undisputed heavyweight champion.

In response, Usyk's manager Sergey Lapin stated:

Usyk is not Tyson's backup plan. If Fury needs an opponent, he should visit the Ready to Fight platform. They can help him find a worthy opponent there. Oleksandr is always open to big challenges. But serious intentions are backed by a concrete offer, not statements in the press.

Despite vacating his three heavyweight titles in June, Usyk, boasting a flawless 25-0 record, has not announced his retirement and is rumored to be in talks for a fight against Deontay Wilder.

Both Joshua and Fury have signed contracts for a fight originally scheduled for November, yet they have yet to finalize the location. Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn favors London, while Fury accuses Joshua of avoiding a long-awaited contest.

Fury stated in an Instagram video:

This will only lead me to a fight with Oleksandr Usyk. You know he is weak-minded... and would never fight the Gypsy King, which you have had the guts to do twice.

Fury challenged Usyk to confirm his willingness to fight later this year, indicating he is now seeking a new opponent.