Oleksandr Usyk has issued a warning to Anthony Joshua that he may not get the chance of avenging his two defeats if he defeats Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.
The wait is nearly over for Usyk and Fury to step into the ring for this century's first heavyweight unification fight after the original bout was postponed.
Fury suffered a cut above his eye earlier this year that pushed the fight back to May 18.
But both boxers arrive in Saudi Arabia this week with just days until they go face-to-face in the ring.
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk step into the ring next week
PA
As part of the contractual agreement for the fight, a rematch will be fought later this year while a trilogy bout may be called if Usyk and Fury win one apiece.
Not all belts will be on the line for the second bout as the IBF are expected to strip the winner of the first contest.
Daniel Dubois and Filip Hrgovic are being touted to fight for the IBF belt next month while Joshua is awaiting his next opponent.
Saudi boxing chief, Turki Alalshikh, has already indicated that Joshua will be next in line to fight either Fury or Usyk.
But the Ukraine boxer has admitted he could choose to drop out of the heavyweight division if he's victorious against Fury.
"Maybe I will go back to cruiserweight and win," Usyk said.
Usyk also admitted that he was originally concerned that the unification fight against Fury was going to be cancelled altogether following the Gypsy King's injury earlier this year.
"There will be only one champion," he added.
Tyson Fury insists he has recovered from the eye injury
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"I feel incredible, as good as I did at the 2012 Olympic Games. Just as young and energetic, and with a big desire to move forward.
"It's the most important fight of my career, my sports career and my sporting life. I want to say that my victory is the victory of the entire Ukrainian people. And defeat is personal.
"I was worried about Tyson Fury, that there might be injuries and that our fight might not take place. If he was performing, I think he deserves an Oscar.
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Anthony Joshua will want to face the winner
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"It has to happen because we have a contract. It's a problem only for Tyson Fury. He signed a contract, so he has to fight.
"It has been an incredible journey. I can do anything now."
