Tyson Fury has dismissed the potential of an Oleksandr Usyk vs David Benavidez fight.
Usyk said last week he planned to go down to cruiserweight to face Benavidez for the undisputed cruiserweight crown, but Fury doesn’t believe the Usyk vs Benavidez fight will happen.
If Benavidez beats Michal Cieslak on December 12, he will be within one belt of winning the undisputed title.
Usyk has not fought at cruiserweight since retaining his then-undisputed crown with an eighth round knockout of Tony Bellew in 2018.
Since then, the Ukrainian has won the undisputed heavyweight title twice. Although, he did look out of sorts in an eventual 11th round stoppage of Rico Verhoeven in May.
Fury dismisses Usyk vs Benavidez
However, Fury who has lost to the Ukrainian twice, insists a Usyk vs Benavidez fight will not happen.
“I don’t think that’s going to happen,” the 38-year-old said to Fight Hype. “If it’s not me then Oleksandr Usyk won’t be fighting again. Definitely not.
“He just wants a big payday and I’m his man to give him that.”
Fury believes his rival will not drop down to cruiserweight to face Benavidez.
“But, whether he does or not I don’t know. But, I can’t see it.
“I can’t see him dropping down to fight Benavidez and I can’t see him fighting random Joe Bloggs fighters for no money.”
Asked if Usyk was moving down to cruiserweight for legacy reasons, Fury replied: “No.
“Not at 40-years-old. You’re doing it for the glory of the pay cheque.”
Fury eyes trilogy in March
Fury will face long-time rival Anthony Joshua in a highly-anticipated heavyweight showdown on December 11 in Cardiff, a day before Benavidez takes on Michal Cieslak, in a fight that could pave the way for Usyk vs Benavidez.
Days before the official announcement, the bout was clouded in doubt due to promotional disagreements.
An unlikely bout between Fury and Benavidez was reported as an alternative. However, Fury revealed he instead contacted Usyk about a Fury Usyk trilogy.
“I actually spoke with Oleksandr to say that if he doesn’t fight then we’ll do it,” he said.
“And he said he’s busy. He’s gone on holiday with his family, but he could do a fight in March.
“So maybe we do that in March. I don’t know yet. One fight at a time.”
For now, a Fury Usyk trilogy in March looks more likely to Fury than Usyk vs Benavidez at cruiserweight.
