Usyk vs Dubois 2 Is Days Away, But Talk of Fury Lingers
Updated 12 July 2025, 09:40 BST
Fight week is here, and the headlines naturally focus on Oleksandr Usyk defending his heavyweight crown against Daniel Dubois at Wembley. The bell rings at 9:50 pm BST next Saturday, marking another chapter in a rich era of heavyweight boxing. Click here to read about when the fight starts and how to watch.
But beneath the surface of this mega-fight, another narrative is already stirring. Can we expect Usyk vs Tyson Fury III in the near future? To get there, however, several contractual hurdles, scheduling possibilities, and promotional dynamics need to be unpacked.
Contract Clauses and Rematch Scenarios
Despite holding all the belts, Usyk enters the ring on 19 July with specific conditions. He holds a rematch right only if he loses to Dubois, which the bookies say is very unlikely, read all about the odds here. This gives him some control over his immediate future should an upset occur. However, if he wins, no further obligation ties him to Dubois.
On Dubois’ end, no automatic rematch clause exists. His team accepted this deal in pursuit of a larger reward – namely, a massive payday against Tyson Fury or a possible rematch with AJ, should he pull off the win.
The twist lies with Fury. According to sources close to the camps, Tyson Fury holds a first-refusal clause that activates for April 2026 at Wembley. This means if Usyk successfully defends his titles, Fury has the legal right to be first in line for a third bout, provided terms can be met.
In other words, if the Ukrainian maestro emerges victorious next Saturday, a trilogy fight could be on the cards – but only if Fury wants it and the promoters can make it work. However Fury has since shared an image on Instagram calling for the third fight in Wembley in April 2026, even Frank Warren his promoter has said he will return in 2026 once he has finished filming two documentaries with Netflix.
Sanctioning Body Mandates Could Disrupt Plans
The sport of boxing is often governed as much by sanctioning body politics as by athlete ambition. Even with Fury looming, Usyk or Dubois will need to navigate the obligations set by the WBC, WBO, IBF, and WBA.
The WBC is expected to call a mandatory challenger by October 2025. No official challenger has been confirmed yet, but names like Joe Joyce, Agit Kabayel & Zhilei Zhang are under discussion.
The IBF presents a more urgent timeline. If the title isn’t defended by January 2026, the organization may strip the belt from whoever holds it after 19 July. That could lead to a fractured championship picture and potentially derail a Fury trilogy.
Fury’s Options and the Saudi Angle
Tyson Fury remains boxing’s biggest showman and one of its most powerful business entities. He’s reportedly told his team he wants undisputed status back – or he walks away.
According to multiple insiders, Saudi Arabian investors have earmarked a budget of £150 million for Fury’s next big fight. Whether that opponent is Usyk, Dubois, or even Anthony Joshua remains up in the air.
A third Usyk bout would certainly satisfy the Saudi appetite for spectacle and legacy. But Fury’s path depends on how the 19 July ends up and whether title obligations become too messy.
A Dubois Upset Would Shake the Division
What happens if Dubois defies the odds and dethrones Usyk? The heavyweight picture could flip overnight.
A Dubois-Fury showdown would be a natural stadium filler. An all British undisputed fight would do amazing numbers both PPV and in person tickets. Both fighters have domestic fanbases and a contrasting style matchup that would make for excellent promotion.
No doubt for Usyk, in the event of a loss he would trigger the rematch clause and fight Dubois in a trilogy for all the belts by end of the year.
Meanwhile, the queue of contenders begins to grow. Joseph Parker and Anthony Joshua all remain in position to press for mandatory opportunities, particularly if belts start to fragment in the wake of a Dubois win.
Announcement Timeline and Fan Expectations
Promoters are not waiting until autumn to build the next chapter. If Usyk wins on 19 July, expect a post-fight in-ring announcement teasing the next mega-fight. Multiple reports suggest the Fury camp is ready to move quickly.
On the other hand, if Dubois shocks the world, negotiations may drag out until September. His team will be careful to evaluate every offer, knowing their man now holds the keys to boxing’s biggest prize.
Fans should watch the post-fight interviews and press conference closely. Subtle hints and name drops could reveal more than any formal announcement.
Conclusion: The Chessboard Awaits Another Move
Whether or not we see Usyk vs Fury III depends on Saturday night. A clear Usyk win, combined with Fury’s desire and the right business conditions, could make a third fight not just possible but inevitable.
But boxing is never that simple. Sanctioning bodies, contract clauses, and shock results are always just one punch away. For now, all eyes turn to Wembley. The future of heavyweight boxing may be decided in twelve rounds or fewer.
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