The great Oleksandr Usyk has spoken – we now know who the unified world heavyweight champion wants to meet in his next fight.
Usyk (24-0) is now 38 years old and has done everything in boxing a man could desire. Olympic champion, undisputed cruiserweight world champion and now a two-time undisputed world heavyweight champion.
The Ukrainian maestro has scaled every summit, repelled every challenger, mostly on the road in hostile environments. In the case of British stars Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois – he’s done it twice.
Usyk was forced to give up his WBO world title last month, clearly not believing that his next move should be a mandatory defence against Britain’s fairytale fighter Fabio Wardley.
Instead Oleksandr is looking to bigger things, and has named the man he wants to meet. And it is – drum roll – big-punching former WBC king Deontay Wilder.
Usyk would start a huge favourite for this one, should it happen in 2026. And the Wilder camp appear game, why wouldn’t they?
There are reasons to believe it’s the absolute perfect choice for Usyk, and there are reasons to feel just a little bit underwhelmed at the same time. Here is why…
Usyk vs Wilder, why it’s perfect
We should say first that Usyk has earned the right to choose who he fights – he owes no man nor sanctioning body anything after his glittering career to date. And in many ways, he’s chosen perfectly here.
It appears Fury and Joshua are on course to meet each other at some stage next year (September in London appears to be the likely landing spot for that long-awaited superfight). So those two would be out as potential opponents, and would we really want a trilogy fight anyway?
The rest of the heavyweights just below that elite level are made up of contenders, fighters who may be really good or even great one day, but don’t have the CV to demand a huge TV audience. Wardley, Agit Kabayel, Joseph Parker etc. None really set the pulse racing.
The one man still in the top 15 who does have some box office potential is Wilder. The man from Tuscaloosa, Alabama is now 40 years old and has not looked remotely impressive since losing to Fury in an epic trilogy fight in late 2021.
But Wilder has two things in his favour – he is American, and he has a huge right hand. The ability to draw a crowd, with at least the lingering threat he could do something incredible. It’s Rocky territory.
Outside of Fury and Joshua, and a crossover fight with Jake Paul (please, no) Wilder might be the biggest payday out there for Usyk. So of course, it makes sense.
And why it’s not perfect
So we’ve given you the reasons why Usyk is right to choose Wilder, now the flip side.
Oleksandr is an amazing fighter, one who always relishes taking on the biggest of challenges. Sadly, these days, Deontay is not that.
Wilder was massively unimpressive in losing his last two meaningful fights – to Joseph Parker in December 2023 and Chinese giant Zhilei Zhang in the summer of 2024. He has never been a technically gifted fighter but he appeared shot on both occasions, no longer able to pull the trigger either.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ did return to the ring in June 2025, stopping Tyrrell Herndon in seven rounds in Wichita. But aside from maybe removing a little ring rust, one look at Herndon’s record shows that fight proved nothing.
Ask most experts out there about Wilder and they will tell you he is a shadow of the fighter who once struck fear into the hearts of opponents. Even in his pomp he needed that knockout punch, most rivals would comfortably outbox him.
While on the face of it, to the casual, it is a fight which might sell to a point in America (or Saudi), it’s hardly a dangerous assignment for Oleksandr. And for that reason, we are just a little bit underwhelmed.
So who should Usyk fight?
So as we said, Usyk has earned the choice here to make his own decision, but that does not mean we can’t all have an opinion. And there is one fight out there, that is available, which would absolutely set the pulse racing.
Moses Itauma, the 13-0 British phenom, is the most exciting thing to hit the heavyweight division since Mike Tyson back in the 1980s. A devastating mix of speed, power and ring savvy. Put simply, he looks the realest of deals.
Fighting Itauma would undoubtedly be a risk for Usyk, the biggest risk out there for him right now. But he has made a career by taking on the mightiest challenges, by elevating his legacy even further.
Usyk vs Itauma would be a massive collision of the young pretender against the brilliant and established champion. A crossroads fight for the heavyweight division and a matchup to savour.
Maybe it will happen one day but for now it appears Oleksandr is headed in a different direction. Yes, he’ll make some money, and yes he will beat Wilder.
Terence Crawford Claps Back at WBC For Stripping Him of World Title
It did not take long for Terence Crawford to clap back at the WBC for stripping him of their world championship belt that he won just a matter of months ago for beating Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in boxing.
In September, Crawford pulled off one of the most impressive performances of his entire career as he jumped multiple weight classes to beat Canelo in the Mexican’s own weight class, wresting all the major super middleweight world titles from his waist, and leaving the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as the sport’s pound-for-pound No.1-ranked fighter.
There has been great speculation as to what’s next for ‘Bud’, whether that’s a rematch against Canelo in the 168-pound division, a drop to middleweight to take on one of the champions there to become a six-weight ruler like Oscar de la Hoya, or even a crossover type fight against the likes of UFC superstar Ilia Topuria.
But shortly after besting Canelo, the WBC removed Crawford’s status as a champion. And now Crawford has responded.
As earlier Wednesday, the WBC said, through its president Mauricio Sulaiman, that it stripped Crawford of the title over an apparent failure to pay sanctioning fees for his last two fights. The fees totalled $300,000 following the Canelo win, just for that one sanctioning body.
Crawford responded within hours during a live stream on social media. “Him saying I’m not paying him $300,000 plus another $100k or something for sanctioning fees, right. Then he tells me I haven’t even apologized, like, who the f*** you think I am? You better slap your f****** self.”
He continued: “What makes you better than any of the other sanctioning bodies? Answer that question. What makes you better than the WBO, IBF, or the WBA. Everybody accepted what I was giving them, but you think you’re better than everybody.”
Crawford Diminishes The WBC’s Relevence
Crawford then diminished the relevance of sanctioning bodies in boxing in the modern era, suggesting that the real champion in the fight game is the one who wears The Ring belt. Boxing financier Turki Alalshikh bought The Ring from Oscar de la Hoya and, though it’s traditionally been a media publication, under Alalshikh’s stewardship through COO Rick Reeno, it’s become more than that, and a combat sports promotion in and of itself.
“The real belt is The Ring belt,” Crawford said, “which is free.”
“You can take the f****** belt. It’s a trophy, anyway. What am I paying you every time I step foot [in the ring] … I’m the mother-f***** that’s putting my life on the line. Not you. You ain’t stepping your ass in that ring. Nobody else.”
“So why should I have to pay carry your belt? You should be paying me!”
Coco Gauff proved to be one of the dominant figures of the tennis scene this season.
After a busy season, the young tennis player wants to use the rest period to set goals for the next season, and she is aware that serious challenges await her. Throughout her career, Coco Gauff has always been guided by certain role models such as Serena Williams, a tennis player who built a magnificent career and was an example for many.
In an interview with Forbes, the 21-year-old spoke about her relationship with Serena Williams and the influence that the famous tennis player has on her.
Gauff revealed how their first meeting came about.
The young American surprised the public by revealing how she and Williams met.
“Yeah I think I was like 10 or 11 years old, and they actually needed a body double for a shoot that she was doing to play a younger version of her.
And so at the last minute, they asked me to do it and I did it, and I got to meet her at the shoot. I don’t even know if she knew I played tennis at the time or anything like that, but she was just so kind.
And I think later on in the shoot someone must have told her that I play tennis, so she was just like, ‘Oh, keep believing in yourself, work hard’, the typical rundown.
But as a kid you’re just grasping onto everything. And I just remember her walking by and it just felt like, not real.”- she said, as quoted by The Tennis Gazette.
Useful tip for Coco
However, Coco Gauff later stressed that it was not the best advice she received from Williams, considering that later, when she became a professional tennis player, she received many useful tips.
Serena, as an experienced figure, wanted to guide her on the right path and help her become as great as possible.
Serena’s advice still rings in her ears, especially the one about focusing on her own path and expectations for herself, not others.
“No, over time when I grew up and she started to grasp maybe who I was, I think for me, she told me that there’s ups and downs on this journey, and also with the outside noise and things like that, and just trying to focus on your pathway, and your expectations of yourself and not expectations placed by others, because obviously she’s the GOAT, so she had to experience so much pressure. So just trying to remind me of that.”- she concluded.
Coco Gauff is only 21 years old and has already shown the diversity of her talent and potential. Many predict a brilliant career and even greater success, and there is hope that one day Gauff will find her place on the throne and be at the top of the WTA rankings.
Tiger Woods is widely regarded as the best golfer ever to grace the links, but he hasn’t played in a competitive event since The Open Championship in July.
The 15-time major championship winner has had two major surgeries this year to go along with the countless others he’s had in the past.
Woods, 49, announced in March that he had ruptured his left Achilles tendon while training. The 82-time PGA TOUR winner also needed what ESPN reported as his seventh total back surgery back in October, in order to swap out a disk in his lower back that was causing pain and stiffness.
Tuesday marked his first time speaking to the media about his future career plans and while he didn’t have an exact timeline, he did share some news that will disappoint fans across the golf world.
Golf fans have been loving the chance to watch Woods and his 16-year-old son, Charlie Woods play in the PNC Championship. With the tournament taking place on Dec. 18-21 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Orlando in Florida, Woods made it clear he would not be able to play alongside his son.
The elder Woods said he had just started chipping and putting within the last week, and isn’t willing to participate even in that capacity out of fairness to others in the tournament.
“No, it wouldn’t be fair,” Woods said via Golf Channel. “Not only it wouldn’t be fair to my son, but it wouldn’t be fair to another team that could play and could have that experience that we’ve had for a number of years.”
While everyone wants answers on when and where he will return to competitive golf, Woods expressed that he too wants to figure out when he will be able to.
“Just let me get back to playing again, let me do that, and then I’ll kind of figure out what the schedule is going to be,” Woods said. “I’m a ways away from that part of it and that type of decision, that type of commitment level.”
As for his son, he ranks No. 13 in the American Junior Golf Association rankings and has yet to decide where he will play college golf as a 2027 recruit.
Unfortunately, fans of the Woods’ may have to wait a year to see them team up again.
Anthony Joshua shook up the boxing world when he said he’d joined his old rival Oleksandr Usyk’s team earlier this year, to fine-tune his skillset during his twilight years.
Joshua rose through Team GB’s elite system under Rob McCracken, winning Olympic gold and building a heavyweight reign on discipline and fundamentals. After setbacks, he moved from Robert Garcia to Derrick James and then Ben Davison, searching for tactical evolution and a trainer who could unlock his full potential.
As reported last month, Joshua made an extraordinary move behind-the-scenes as he “spent time with Usyk’s team,” as he “looks set to change trainers,” according to British sports reporter Chris McKenna. Now, Usyk has explained the real reason for AJ’s move to the Usyk team’s training facility in Valencia, Spain.
Usyk team manager Sergey Lapin manages the Spanish camp, and was one of the key figures to welcome Joshua to the facility. It comes at a time in which Joshua is preparing for one of the more straight-forward fights of his pro career as he takes on the internet sensation Jake Paul at the Kaseya Center in Miami on the 19th of December. That event airs on Netflix.
Speaking on the link-up between his team and Joshua, Usyk told Boxing King Media: “I’m not [his] coach. I’m a friend. I have very professional coaches, like 15, now with Anthony, [helping him] like a friend. If we can, if I can help my opponent, I help. We spoke with Anthony, we have preparation, ‘You can come into my camp, and we will do training together. Now, it’s possible.”
“We’re training together and we’re working together.”
Oleksandr Usyk’s Team is Helping Improve Anthony Joshua
Usyk continued: “We speak with Anthony, messaging, on the phone. I have his phone number. ‘Hey, champ! How are you?’ I like this guy because he’s smart, and this guy has a very big heart.”
Though Usyk is one of the more unbeatable fighters in the sport, and on the cusp of a possible fight with Deontay Wilder in 2026, the heavyweight king said it’s important to not impose his style on fighters who join his team but, rather, further develop their own unique skillsets.
“We are not helping him with my style,” he said. “My team, it’s not only one line — Usyk, Usyk, Usyk. No, we have different styles. I’m southpaw. Anthony is [orthodox], and doesn’t move like me.”
“We give him what helps Anthony grow.”
“My team does the plan, and gives me what helps me,” Usyk finished. “They give him his plan that will help him.”
Deontay Wilder Responds to Oleksandr Usyk Callout With Strong Statement
There is a lot of intrigue around what Oleksandr Usyk is going to do next in his boxing career. There hasn’t been much activity or content from the former undisputed heavyweight champion and pound-for-pound great ever since his KO victory over Daniel Dubois in the 5th round of their July 19 bout.
While every heavyweight has been jockeying for position to be his next opponent, Usyk hadn’t even conveyed whether he wanted to fight again, let alone who he was keen to match up against.
Some believe that his most likely next opponent would be Fabio Wardley after Wardley beat Joseph Parker, especially because Wardley now holds the WBO heavyweight belt. Then again, Usyk relinquished that belt because he had no interest in fighting Wardley, as becoming undisputed again doesn’t seem to be his biggest interest.
Instead, Usyk wants to fight the biggest names. This is why he has expressed an openness to fighting against UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and Jake Paul in recent months.
Oleksandr Usyk Calls Deontay Wilder Out, Wilder’s Team Responds
However, Usyk has conveyed that he has an active heavyweight icon and superstar in the sport in his sights next, which he asserted during a December 1 interview with Boxing King Media.
“I want to fight Deontay Wilder. I think it’s interesting,” Usyk said while speaking at the WBC convention in Thailand, per a video from Boxing King Media’s YouTube channel.
When asked why he wants to face Wilder, Usyk said, “This is a world champion guy, this is a very famous guy, this is a strong guy. He is one of the great heavyweights of the last 10 years.”
It didn’t take Wilder’s team to respond to this callout from Usyk, as Wilder’s co-manager Shelly Finkel told Sky Sportson December 1, “Usyk is a great champion. We have plans for next year, and we’d like Oleksandr Usyk to be part of them. If we receive the right offer, we would be open to that fight.”
Wilder's co-manager Shelly Finkel on the prospect of Oleksandr Usyk vs Deontay Wilder 💬 pic.twitter.com/Z7cKa523ue
While this message was technically from Wilder’s manager rather than from himself, it’s obvious that he was behind this fight callout response. And this would be a huge gift for Wilder, who didn’t appear close to fighting for a title before Usyk called him out in this way.
There’s no question that Wilder is a heavy puncher who could potentially put Usyk’s lights out. Still, the skill difference between them would likely make many boxing fans apathetic to this potential bout.
As WBN reported, a high-profile rematch against Manny Pacquiao is on the horizon for the coming year. Sources close to the planning confirm that Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2 is already in the works for 2026, making it one of the most anticipated sequels in boxing history.
While Mayweather has yet to confirm the rematch publicly, Pacquiao is ready and willing, with the timing of the clash dependent on his pursuit of another world title in the interim.
Pacquiao’s Next Move: Rolly Romero Targeted
Manny Pacquiao, who turns 47 this December, is finalizing negotiations for a WBA Welterweight title challenge against Rolly Romero, a fight WBN first reported exclusively on September 27. Despite rumors of other opponents, MP Promotions boss Sean Gibbons confirmed Romero remains the singular focus.
“Viva Rolly for the WBA,” he told WBN. “The goal is to break his own record, make history, and win a welterweight title at 47.”
The Filipino legend confirmed the news at the Thrill in Manila 50th Anniversary press conference, emphasizing that this is not a standard comeback—it is a statement of championship ambition and legacy.
Why Rolly Romero is the Perfect Target
Romero’s aggressive, fan-friendly style ensures an explosive matchup. He has previously defeated Ryan Garcia and is known for his come-forward approach. Pacquiao’s team sees him as the perfect opponent to deliver a definitive war that both honors his legacy and sets up a historic showdown with Mayweather.
Gibbons added, “Rolly Romero has the WBA belt. He is the perfect test for Manny to make history again.”
The Timeline to Record-Breaking Glory
Pacquiao’s title clash against Romero is reportedly targeted for January or February in Las Vegas. Should he succeed, a first defense against Mayweather could follow, giving both legends the chance to rewrite boxing history.
Mayweather, turning 49 in February, could surpass Bernard Hopkins’ record as the oldest world title-winning boxer if the rematch happens for the WBA welterweight title after May 30, 2026.
If Pacquiao wins, a Mayweather return makes for another historic event. While the path is complex, Pacquiao’s willingness to speak to the media and insiders’ confirmation put MayPac 2 closer to reality than ever before.
Mayweather’s Record Bid
This is more than a comeback story. It is a potentially record-breaking narrative spanning two of boxing’s greatest icons. Mayweather could achieve history at 49, while Pacquiao continues his pursuit of championship glory at 47.
WBN will be tracking every development as it unfolds, giving fans exclusive insight into a fight that could define both fighters’ legacies.
The Perfect Rematch Plan
Early 2026: Pacquiao defeats Rolly for the WBA title
February 2026: MayPac 2 confirmed
June 2026: Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 for the WBA title and Hopkins’ record
And Janibek’s 160lbs unification bout with boxing’s oldest world champion Erislandy Lara now looks to be off.
Esteemed boxing journalist Dan Rafael obtained a VADA report that suggests Janibek vs Lara has been cancelled, according to Premier Boxing Champions — promoters of the fight.
Janibek has since released a statement on X.
“I have always supported clean sport, you know this well,” the 32-year-old said.
“I was surprised when I read the news. VADA took the first test and said everything was clean.
“I have not made any changes to my vitamins. I don’t know what happened with the second test, so I requested a retest.”
Terence Crawford had teased fight with Janibek Alimkhanuly
Undisputed super middleweight champion Terence Crawford had a keen eye on the undefeated Kazakh’s fight with Lara.
It was set to take place on the undercard of Isaac Cruz vs Lamont Roach in San Antonio this weekend, but Lara, according to Coppinger and Rafael, is now set to defend his WBA title against a new opponent.
Crawford, who moved up two divisions to claim Canelo Alvarez’s undisputed super middleweight throne in September, said he had his ‘eyes’ on Janibek during an interaction with the 32-year-old’s manager in October.
He later stirred the pot by uploading a video to his social media accounts showing a photo of him alongside Janibek posing simultaneously.
BREAKING: I've obtained copy of VADA report on unified 160 titlist Janibek Alimkhanuly, who has tested positive for banned PED Meldonium. His 160 unification with Erislandy Lara on Saturday is off, per PBC, which is lining up replacement for Lara. Ring 1st with test. Here's the… pic.twitter.com/8WzB0JsbiH
Janibek vs Lara was set to be a classic three-belt shootout in the middleweight division, but the news of the former’s alleged failed drug test could have huge ramifications on the future at 160lbs.
Responding to Janibek’s positive test, one fan wrote on X: “The boxing gods [are] keeping that dreaded Janibek vs. Crawford fight from happening.”
While another added: “This s*** better not be true. 160lbs division already looks terrible. Then never mind this guy who [has] been feening for Crawford.”
Carlos Adames, who drew with Hamzah Sheeraz in February, holds the WBC’s belt at 160lbs.
He hasn’t fought since the highly contentious draw with the 26-year-old British star, but was in negotiations to box Janibek in early 2025 until a deal collapsed.
Crawford, meanwhile, has teased a potential move from 168lbs to 160lb more than once to challenge for a world title in a sixth weight class.
“My gut says the same thing,” he told Netflix after his win over Canelo.
“I’m going to sit down with my team and discuss what is next in the future for Terence Crawford, but who knows, I might go down to 160lbs.”
Crawford became the first male boxer in the four-belt era of the sport’s history to win undisputed titles in three separate weight classes when he overcame Canelo via unanimous decision in Las Vegas.
Serena Williams breaks her silence on shock report tennis legend is set to unretire three years after last match
Serena Williams has played down reports she is set for a shock return to tennis, despite re-entering herself in to the drug testing pool required for all active players.
According to tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg, Williams is in line for a return to professional tennis more than three years on from her final match at the US Open.
The tennis icon, 44, who won 23 Grand Slam singles titles in an historic career, has been inactive since September 2022 but has now officially applied for reinstatement.
The decision sets her up for a return to the top level of tennis in 2026, and she has been added back in to the drug testing pool required for all active players.
However, Williams poured cold water on the report later on Tuesday by posting on X: ‘Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy’.
Serena, whose 45-year-old sister Venus is also still active, lost her final match against Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the US Open in 2022, and she applied for retirement with the International Tennis Integrity Agency a day later.
The 44-year-old, pictured last month, is still in incredible shape three years after retiring
But Williams took to social media to insist ‘I’m not coming back’ after the tennis world exploded
That decision meant she longer had to provide her daily whereabouts for random drug tests, but it is being reported that she has returned to that pool.
Rothenberg’s ‘Bounces’ website also reports that Williams had explored the possibility of returning sooner, seeking reinstatement ahead of this year’s US Open, but was knocked back by officials.
It is understood that she had planned to play doubles with Venus in New York – something that will be possible by the spring of 2026, in time for the French Open if she so wishes.
It is as yet unclear exactly when she filed for reinstatement, but Williams’ name does appear on an October list of players registered for drugs testing, seemingly confirming her decision to return to the court.
Serena has been in the spotlight in recent months for her usage of the GLP-1 weight loss drug Zepbound, which she has openly spoken about on adverts for the health company Ro.
She has lost an incredible 30lbs this year, after giving birth to her second daughter Adira.
GLP-1s are not banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, and are also not included on the 2026 list of prohibited substances, per Rothenberg’s reporting.
They are, though, on the ‘monitoring program’, meaning that usage and effects of the drugs are being observed by WADA’s scientists.
Despite officially ‘retiring’, Williams has previously sparked rumors of a comeback by claiming that the ‘chances of me returning are very high’.
In a recent interview with Net-A-Porter, she spoke in-depth about the scrutiny she faced on the court.
‘In tennis you can’t really be yourself, which sounds weird, but you have to keep a veil up,’ she said.
The tennis icon was recently back on the tennis court with her scarcely-seen young daughter
‘You can’t be too vulnerable. In a way I need[ed] to be seen as this person that’s always going to take my opponent out.’
She was also asked whether she missed the sport, adding: ‘Not as much as this time last year. No matter how prepared you are to retire, and particularly from doing something every day at such a high level, it’s hard.
‘I really prepped myself the best way I could, but it’s something that’s still a little difficult.’
Despite three years away from the court, the 44-year-old remains in incredible shape and recently showed off her bikini body on vacation with her family.
