Oleksandr Usyk is anticipated to step by the ropes subsequent within the first half of 2026. The three-time, two-division undisputed champion seems to face the winner of this Saturday’s showdown between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley.
Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) of Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine, final fought in July, securing a devastating knockout over Daniel Dubois of their rematch, after scoring two determination victories over Tyson Fury. The 38-year-old southpaw was later reported to have sustained a again harm and was sidelined.
New Zealand’s former champion Parker (36-3, 24 KOs), who presently holds the interim WBO title, and England’s Wardley (19-0-1, 18 KOs), an interim WBA champion, conflict for the spot to change into the WBO obligatory challenger to Usyk.
“He [Usyk] feels good and in glorious form,” mentioned Usyk’s advisor, Serhii Lapin, as reported by Ring Journal.
In the meantime, stories about British Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) not too long ago emerged, claiming the previous WBC champion was contemplating a return to the ring, in search of a 3rd combat with Usyk. Lapin, nevertheless, believes the Fury story is prior to now.
“Theoretically, it’s an fascinating possibility, however for whom? If boxing followers actually help it, then possibly. Nonetheless, for my part, that chapter is already closed.”
Moreover, Slovakian-born British southpaw Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) has been talked about as a possible opponent for the Ukrainian champion. The 20-year-old is coming off a stoppage victory over Dillian Whyte in August.
“I wouldn’t say he [Usyk] doesn’t wish to combat Itauma,” Lapin mentioned. “He’s a promising fighter, and his workforce has executed a great job bringing him to this stage and rating. But when we analyze the heavyweight division, in addition to Usyk, there are many high fighters.”
“Itauma nonetheless wants a severe take a look at earlier than going through a legend. Have we seen him go the total 12-round distance? Has he been in harmful conditions within the ring? My reply isn’t any. At this stage, he doesn’t have the instruments to beat Usyk.”
Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley conflict at The O2 in London on Saturday, October 25. Oleksandr Usyk is anticipated to be ringside and face the winner as their combat concludes.
