The world of heavyweight boxing has long been filled with drama, rivalries, and bold declarations. In recent months, the undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk has once again found himself at the center of attention—not only because of his recent victories but also because of a surprising challenger from within the Fury boxing family. While Usyk has built a reputation as one of the most technically gifted fighters in the sport, his dominance has now been questioned by Hughie Fury, the cousin of former WBC heavyweight king Tyson Fury, one of Usyk’s biggest rivals.

Hughie Fury has gone on record to say that he, not anyone else, holds the key to finally solving the “Usyk puzzle.” Such a declaration adds a fresh layer of intrigue to the heavyweight division, particularly given the turbulent history between Usyk and Tyson Fury. With Usyk’s future hanging in the balance due to injury and looming mandatory fights, the heavyweight landscape could soon change dramatically.

Oleksandr Usyk: A Heavyweight Puzzle Still Unsolved

Since moving up from cruiserweight to heavyweight, Oleksandr Usyk has maintained an aura of invincibility. His ability to outthink and outmaneuver bigger opponents has made him a nightmare matchup. Usyk’s biggest triumph came when he defeated Tyson Fury, handing the larger man a decision loss that sent shockwaves through the boxing world.

The Ukrainian star didn’t stop there. In their rematch, Usyk once again emerged victorious, proving that his first win was no fluke. These victories elevated him to undisputed heavyweight champion, securing all the belts and cementing his place in history as one of boxing’s modern greats.

However, Usyk’s road has not been without challenges. A persistent back injury has placed his career on pause, leaving fans and promoters uncertain about when and where he will step back into the ring. While he heals, speculation runs rampant about who his next opponent could be.

Hughie Fury Insists He Can Beat Usyk

In a recent interview with Boxing King Media, Hughie Fury made a bold proclamation. After dealing with his own career interruptions, Fury is eyeing a strong comeback—and he has set his sights high.

“I’m coming back with a bang. I’m in good spirits,” Hughie declared. “Hopefully, get out this year and then big fights next year.”

When pressed on whether any heavyweight alive could defeat Oleksandr Usyk, Hughie gave a direct answer: “Yeah, me.”

The response stunned many fans. Considering that Hughie’s cousin Tyson Fury already tried and failed twice to beat Usyk, his declaration feels ambitious, if not outright audacious. Still, the heavyweight contender insists he has the right style and preparation to succeed where Tyson did not.

Why Hughie Fury Believes He Holds the Key

Hughie Fury is no stranger to the boxing scene. Despite setbacks and periods of inactivity, he has shown flashes of talent throughout his career. At 29 years old, he still has time to carve out his place among the elite heavyweights if he can secure the right fights.

What makes Hughie confident about Usyk? Observers suggest that it may come down to his own fighting style. While Tyson Fury is known for his size, agility, and unorthodox movement, Hughie has always prided himself on fundamentals, footwork, and defense. He likely believes that a more measured approach could present Usyk with unique problems.

Nonetheless, critics remain skeptical. Usyk has already dismantled larger, stronger, and technically gifted fighters throughout his career. Unless Hughie demonstrates drastic improvements, his claim will remain more bravado than reality.

The Shadow of Tyson Fury

It’s impossible to discuss Hughie Fury’s comments without acknowledging the legacy of his cousin, Tyson Fury. Tyson, a towering figure in heavyweight boxing, was long considered one of the sport’s most dominant forces. His unbeaten streak and victories over legends like Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder made him the man to beat.

That changed when he met Oleksandr Usyk. Twice, Tyson stepped into the ring with the Ukrainian technician, and twice he walked away defeated. The losses cut deeply, tarnishing Tyson’s perfect record and leading him to announce yet another retirement.

For Hughie, the chance to face Usyk offers more than just personal glory. It represents an opportunity to restore pride to the Fury name and to accomplish what Tyson could not. But stepping into that ring will be no easy task.

Usyk’s Current Situation and Next Steps

While Hughie Fury voices his ambitions, Oleksandr Usyk’s team has its own plans. Usyk’s promoter, Sergey Lapin, recently confirmed that the Ukrainian champion is targeting a major return in an “exciting location” once his injury recovery is complete.

The most likely scenario is that Usyk will fight the mandatory WBO challenger, which could mean a matchup against either Joseph Parker or rising British knockout artist Fabio Wardley. The winner of their upcoming clash is expected to earn the right to challenge Usyk for the undisputed crown.

Lapin explained:
“Right now, our team is considering new opportunities and an exciting location to stage another fight for the undisputed world championship. In the meantime, we wish good luck to Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley – may the best man win.”

This statement suggests that while Hughie Fury’s claims may generate headlines, the reality of Usyk’s immediate future lies elsewhere.

The Case Against Usyk as the Greatest

While many hail Usyk as the top fighter in the division, others caution against placing him above legends just yet. Critics point out that fighters like Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, and Floyd Mayweather (though outside heavyweight) established greatness through consistent dominance and numerous title defenses.

Usyk, by contrast, has not yet had the longevity of title reigns seen in boxing’s history books. His brilliance is undeniable, but his legacy still has chapters left to be written. Hughie Fury and other contenders represent the tests that could either confirm or challenge his status as a generational talent.

The Role of Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley

Before any hypothetical fight with Hughie Fury, Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley stand as the most realistic next opponents for Usyk. Parker, the experienced former WBO heavyweight champion, has been revitalized in recent years with solid wins, while Wardley has surged onto the scene with explosive knockouts and youthful energy.

Either fighter would present Usyk with fresh challenges. For Parker, it’s about leveraging his experience and durability. For Wardley, it’s about unleashing his knockout power against one of the most elusive defensive fighters in boxing.

Usyk’s ability to adapt to different styles will be tested once again, keeping fans engaged in the ongoing story of his reign.

Hughie Fury’s Road Back to Relevance

While his comments have grabbed headlines, Hughie Fury’s career reality tells another story. He has been inactive for several years, sidelined by illness and other setbacks. To be taken seriously as a contender for Usyk’s throne, he will first need to prove himself in the ring again.

That likely means a comeback fight against a mid-tier opponent before stepping up to bigger names. Only by stringing together convincing wins can Hughie justify a shot at the Ukrainian king. Until then, his claim remains just words.

Why Fans Love These Bold Claims

One reason boxing remains such a captivating sport is the mix of talent and talk. Fighters like Hughie Fury keep the headlines alive with bold statements, fueling debates among fans and analysts. Even if he is far from securing a fight with Usyk, his declaration has sparked conversation about who, if anyone, can topple the champion.

From Tyson Fury’s losses to Joseph Parker’s resurgence and Fabio Wardley’s rise, the heavyweight division is as unpredictable as ever. That unpredictability is what keeps fans glued to the sport.

Can Hughie Fury Truly Beat Oleksandr Usyk?

At this stage, it’s difficult to imagine Hughie Fury as the man to dethrone Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk’s technical brilliance, combined with his proven track record against elite opposition, makes him a heavy favorite against almost any opponent.

Still, boxing has taught fans to expect the unexpected. Great upsets have shaped the history of the sport, from Buster Douglas shocking Mike Tyson to Andy Ruiz Jr. stunning Anthony Joshua. If Hughie Fury can put together a credible comeback and earn his shot, who knows what could happen?

For now, Usyk’s focus remains on healing from injury and defending his belts against mandatory challengers like Parker or Wardley. But looming in the background, Hughie Fury’s bold words add another layer of drama to an already fascinating era in heavyweight boxing.