Tyson Fury has doubled down on his desire to enter a trilogy showdown with Oleksandr Usyk, but equally admits that he would be fighting an uphill battle.

The 37-year-old will return to action against Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11, headlining a Ring Magazine event at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium live on Netflix.

This represents his first outing since losing to Usyk in December 2024, when the masterful Ukrainian defended his undisputed crown with a unanimous decision victory.

Earlier that year, the pair had engaged in a far more dramatic encounter, with Fury losing a split decision after suffering a ninth-round knockdown.

But while many feel that Usyk deserved to emerge triumphant on both occasions, ‘The Gypsy King’ seemingly remains convinced that he was ‘robbed’ of two monumental victories.

This, it seems, is partly why he announced his retirement at the beginning of last year, referencing his two defeats to Usyk by saying “Dick Turpin wore a mask”.

Even now, while speaking with Gareth A Davis,

Fury cannot help but view a potential trilogy clash with a degree of scepticism, believing his opponent will get the decision regardless unless he knocks him out.

“I want a third fight but, the thing is: I know if he stands up at the end of it, I’m not going to get a decision.

“For me, it’s like you may as well give him the fight. Before we even box, give him the W [win] and just give me the money, because that’s what’s going to happen anyway – if I don’t knock him out.

“If I could’ve knocked him out, I would’ve done already. He’s a tough man and, every time he gets hurt, he can sort of nip and run away with his speed and agility.

“So yeah, I’m not going to get a decision; it’s not going to be a fair result.”

Usyk, too, has expressed his interest in a third contest after outlining his ambition to fight at least three more times.

First, the 39-year-old must defend his WBC world heavyweight title against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven on May 23, before targeting the winner of Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois, which takes place for Wardley’s WBO world title on May 9.

After that, Usyk has insisted that he would be eager to face Fury once again, having potentially reclaimed his undisputed crown.