Tyson Fury next opponent picked by Saudi boxing chief to follow Oleksandr Usyk rematch

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Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 11/12/2024

- 11:17

Tyson Fury will be hoping for revenge against Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch on December 21.

Saudi sports chief Turki Alalshikh has called for Wladimir Klitschko to make a sensational return to the boxing ring as a potential opponent to Tyson Fury in the future.

The Ukrainian heavyweight icon has not boxed since his loss to Anthony Joshua in 2017.


But there has been growing speculation about Klitschko possibly making a surprise return to set a record-breaking victory.

Tom Loeffler, who co-founded K2 Promotions with the Klitschko brothers, said that the younger sibling set his sights on breaking George Foreman's record.

Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury is hoping for a trilogy fight with Oleksandr Usyk

Reuters

"I do know at one point it was a dream of his to break George Foreman's record and become the oldest heavyweight champion."

Now Alalshikh, who is the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority (GEA), has called on the 48-year-old to pull on the gloves in 2025.

"Let's see what happens with Tyson and Usyk, with Dubois and Parker, and I ask the WBC, IBF, WBA, and WBO to give you a chance to chase that dream again," he said.

Alalshikh was speaking after being named the World Boxing Council's (WBC) Man of the Year.

He's helped Saudi Arabia host several mega fights, including the first unified heavyweight bout between Fury and Usyk earlier this year.

"I would like to thank the World Boxing Council (WBC) for awarding me the Boxing Man of the Year," he wrote on Instagram.

"We will continue supporting the sport of boxing, striving to elevate it to its golden era by delivering the strongest and most exciting fights to the fans.

"I dedicate this award to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose unwavering support has placed Saudi Arabia among the leading nations of the world and enabled us to deliver world-class events with the highest standards."

Turki AlashikSaudi chief Turki Alashik calls the shots in the boxing world these daysREUTERS

Fury and Usyk will face off once again on December 21 with the potential of a trilogy fight if the British heavyweight comes out on top.

Daniel Dubois currently holds the IBF heavyweight belt after his stunning win over Joshua in September.

And Loeffler has suggested that a fight against Fury or Dubois could tempt Klitschko out of retirement.

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Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk

Tyson Fury lost to Oleksandr Usyk earlier this year

REUTERS

"He wouldn't fight Usyk because that's his countryman, but now with the likes of Daniel Dubois, and depending what happens, we may see him come out of retirement," Loeffler said.

"But we'll let him make any announcement. A lot depends on what happens December 21.

"There is no better ambassador for boxing than Wladimir and his brother Vitali.

"If we see Wladimir back in the ring, I think a lot of fans would be super excited to see him again."

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