Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk didn’t sound especially impressed after Tyson Fury’s win over Arslanbek Makhmudov, even though he was still glad to see Fury get the victory. Speaking after the fight, Usyk offered a measured take on Fury’s showing and made it clear he expected more from a boxer of Fury’s caliber. The reaction matters because any Fury performance is now viewed through the lens of a possible showdown with Usyk, one of the defining fights in the division.
“Listen, in my opinion, it was not a very good performance. But Tyson won, so that’s good. Listen, I’m rooting for Fury, you understand? Many of my acquaintances and friends wrote to me: ‘Oh, your friend won.’ That’s good. But I was nervous because I watched only six rounds, and then I went to church,” Usyk told The Independent.
Fury ultimately defeated Makhmudov by unanimous decision, but the nature of the performance appears to have left questions behind. For American boxing fans, that’s the real story. Fury can still get the job done, but the expectation around him is no longer just about winning — it’s about looking dominant against dangerous heavyweights.
That’s why Usyk’s comments carry weight. If Fury looks vulnerable, the balance of power in the heavyweight division shifts quickly. A sharp Fury remains a nightmare matchup for anyone. A hittable or sluggish Fury opens the door for Usyk and adds intrigue for every other top contender waiting behind them.
Now the focus turns to what comes next and whether Fury can deliver a more convincing performance if the road leads where boxing fans expect: straight toward Usyk.