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Boxing fans’ heavyweight landscape just shifted dramatically as Tyson Fury confirms he will not pursue a comeback after Oleksandr Usyk ruled out a third fight.

In response, Fury’s decision to step away from the ring is permanent. Fury’s decision to reaffirm his exile means former rival Deontay Wilder is now more likely to face Usyk in the future as the most significant name option.

Deontay Wilder Reacts To Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk Fight: "He Was Robbed" - Seconds Out

READ: Oleksandr Uysk’s next opponent is confirmed

Fury Explains Why He’s Walking Away
Speaking to channel FurociTV, Fury explained his thinking in stark terms:

“There’s no actual reason for me to go back in the boxing ring. I’m 37, and I’ve been punched for 25 years. It used to be about money, about titles, but now I’ve got more than I could ever spend and all the belts I could dream of. Does it make me happier? No.”

He continued:

“The climb was better than the peak. I could go back anytime, but I just don’t want to. Boxing doesn’t take prisoners—it only takes casualties. I’ve done well to come out intact. I’m not tempting fate anymore.”

Fury’s promoter Frank Warren echoed the sentiment, noting the Gypsy King has no interest in chasing further glory or risking long-term damage.

Fury Chapter Closed
For fans hoping for a blockbuster Usyk-Fury trilogy, WBN can confirm that chapter is effectively closed. Fury’s focus has shifted away from heavyweight boxing in the ring, and his return now seems contingent on an unprecedented circumstance.

“You could offer me one billion today, and it wouldn’t move the needle,” Fury said. “I’ve gone past caring what other people think.”

Usyk’s Road Ahead
While Fury steps back, Usyk is looking forward. Team Leader Sergey Lapin told Ready To Fight:

“A trilogy with Fury is no longer a priority—that chapter is closed.”

Usyk plans around five more fights, with a possible return in early 2026. WBN understands Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley is next, followed by Agit Kabayel in Germany. A voluntary bout with Deontay Wilder could happen if the American first racks up standout wins.

Wilder has long expressed interest in a clash with Usyk, as mandatory obligations push a Wilder clash to 2027

The former pound-for-pound king will eventually clear his two remaining mandatory defenses—the IBF and WBA—before retiring, aiming to finish his storied career at age 41 on top.

Young Blood vs Experience
While emerging talents like Moses Itauma are on the horizon, Usyk’s camp remains confident: experience and skill are still firmly on the Ukrainian’s side.

Fury’s decision may have closed the door on one of boxing’s most unnecessary trilogies, but it leaves the path clear for Usyk to continue his reign.

For fans, the heavyweight division promises drama, high stakes, and marquee matchups for at least another three years before the new generation steps forward.

The Possible Usyk Plan
Spring 2026 | Parker or Wardley

Fall 2026 | Agit Kabayel

Early 2027 | Deontay Wilder

Mid 2027 | IBF or WBA  mandatory

Career Finale | IBF or WBA mandatory

Over a month later, Terence Crawford’s performance in the most important bout of his life remains outstanding.

Taking on Canelo Alvarez in front of a biased crowd in Las Vegas, “Bud” came out to go toe-to-toe with Alvarez and did more than that.

Crawford handily beat Alvarez, delivering another masterclass in technically proficient boxing against an opponent that many other fighters have been too scared to attack. In the process, he became undisputed in a third weight class. But Crawford may have taken something more important from Alvarez than his super middleweight belts.

Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez trade blows during their September...

JUST IN: “I’m Not Scared Of You”: Hall Of Fame Legend Wants To Face Gervonta Davis

Is Terence Crawford the new “Face of Boxing”?

For years, Alvarez has been dubbed the “Face of Boxing”. Even the Mexican himself has accepted the moniker. But after losing to Crawford, Jaron “Boots” Ennis believes there’s a new “face” in town now.

“He just beat Canelo, the face of boxing. So that makes Crawford the face of boxing at the moment.”

That’s certainly logical, but Alvarez earning that moniker goes deeper than just winning fights. Canelo is a superstar in every sense of the word, and his out-of-ring persona has become larger than life.

Crawford is the better boxer at this moment in time, and arguably over the course of their respective careers, but he simply can’t sell and bring in revenue like Alvarez can. He absolutely has the bragging rights, though, and can steal Canelo’s nickname for now.

A Hall of Fame great remains interested in a potential future showdown with three-weight world champion Gervonta Davis.

Davis currently reigns as the WBA lightweight champion with his most recent defence coming against countryman Lamont Roach Jr back in March, although their New York City meeting ended in a controversial majority decision draw.

The 30-year-old from Baltimore has racked up 28 stoppage victories since making his professional debut, defeating the likes of Ryan Garcia, Rolando Romero and Leo Santa Cruz inside the scheduled distance.

“I’m Not Scared Of You”: Hall Of Fame Legend Still Wants To Face Gervonta Davis

JUST IN: Oleksandr Uysk’s next opponent is confirmed

He is now preparing for an exhibition clash with Jake Paul on November 14, but Davis appears to be on the radar of Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao, who made a sensational comeback to the sport back in July.

As revealed by Mike Coppinger on the Inside The Ring Show, Pacquiao is said to be keen on a potential clash with Davis in the near future.

“I spoke to Pacquiao’s adviser Sean Gibbons who also runs his promotional company, he says the three names they are looking at are Rolly Romero, Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Conor Benn. Those are the fights for Manny right now, whether they are the first or the second fight, those are the guys he’s looking at.”

In a separate interview with Seconds Out, the eight-division world champion claimed that he ‘isn’t scared’ of facing someone of Davis’ calibre, despite him being on the verge of turning 47-years-old.

‘PacMan’ made his return to the ring against reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19, fighting to a majority decision draw against ‘El Azteca’ in Las Vegas.

The 46-year-old is expected to make his 74th ring appearance in the early stages of 2026, with reports suggesting that he could lock horns with WBA welterweight champion ‘Rolly’ Romero next.

Oleksandr Uysk’s next opponent is confirmed with undisputed champion set to return to action in first half of 2026

Frank Warren has confirmed the winner of Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley at the O2 on Saturday evening will face Oleksandr Usyk next.

Parker and Wardley top the bill on Saturday’s Queensberry Promotions card at the O2, where the New Zealander will defend his interim WBO heavyweight crown.

Victory for either fighter will secure mandatory challenger status for the WBO title currently held by Usyk, who also reigns as the unified and Ring Magazine heavyweight champion.

Parker v Wardley: 'Whole division waiting on Oleksandr Usyk', says Joseph  Parker before Fabio Wardley fight - BBC Sport

READ: Oleksandr Usyk Reveals the Truth About His Role During the War

Under the governing bodies’ system, the WBO is next in line to call a mandatory defence. That order was originally issued in July, but plans were pushed back following Usyk’s back injury.

There had been speculation that Usyk might vacate his titles to pursue a third fight with Anthony Joshua or a showdown with Tyson Fury. However, Warren appears to have dismissed those suggestions.

Usyk is expected to return to action in the first half of 2026, and the Parker-Wardley winner now appears poised to be first in line for a shot at the undisputed champion when he steps back into the ring.

Speaking at Thursday’s press conference, Warren said: ‘At the moment in heavyweight division, it’s the best fight out there.

‘These two guys have stepped up. Neither of them needed to, neither of them needed to make this fight. You know Joe Parker. He’s the interim champion.

‘The WBO already ordered that Usyk has to defend his belt against him. But he’s injured. Joe could have sat around and waited but he said no. He said he wanted to fight anyway.

‘From Fabio, again, he’s in a fantastic position, and he only had to wait his time, and he would have got a crack at the title. He also said no, I want to fight as well. And not only that, I want to fight Joe Parker.

‘These guys are well trained. They’ve not left anything, no stone unturned. They’re in their best condition. You’re going to get something special on the night. And the prize is there for the winner. The winner gets the fight, Mr Usyk. They will get to fight for the WBO belt and all other three belts.

‘Mr Usyk has said that he will take on the winner of Parker vs Wardley. He has said that he will take that fight next year. So, that’s the prize they are fighting for. It’s all or nothing for the winner.’

Meanwhile, Parker’s manager David Higgins said: ‘I have to admit, a little bit cynical about Usyk’s motivation for what is next. But, I was involved in a couple of phone calls that were quite encouraging the week.

‘Those phone calls suggested to me that Usyk absolutely does value the unified position and will honour it. Now I’m increasingly confident in the winner of this fight [Parker vs Wardley] will get a shot for the undisputed title which makes this a very exciting eliminator situation.’

World Champion Who Is ‘The Biggest Threat To Terence Crawford’ Calls For The Fight To Happen

An unbeaten world champion has once again expressed an interest in facing pound-for-pound superstar Terence Crawford next.

‘Bud’ Crawford extended his professional record to 42-0 last month when he dethroned Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez of his undisputed super-middleweight championship at a packed out Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

The 38-year-old Omaha-native put on an impressive display against Canelo to defy the odds and become the first male fighter in boxing history to win an undisputed championship in three weight classes, having accomplished this feat at super-lightweight and welterweight respectively.

World Champion Who Is ‘The Biggest Threat To Terence Crawford’ Calls For The Fight To Happen

JUST IN: Anthony Joshua left in hysterics as Paddy Pimblett takes

As he approaches what could be the final chapter of his glittering professional career, ‘Bud’ is said to be considering a move down to middleweight for his next bout, as he sets his sights on becoming a six-weight world champion.

One potential opponent for Crawford could be the hard-hitting unified WBO and IBF world middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, who has proved to be one of the most avoided fighters on the planet in recent years.

In a social media post, Kazakh star Alimkhanuly reiterated his desire for a showdown with Crawford, sharing a clip from the Inside the Ring show in which trainer Malik Scott named him as the ‘biggest threat’ to the American.

Janibek made the first defence of his unified WBO and IBF middleweight titles back in April when he stopped Anauel Ngamissengue in the fifth round of their clash at the Barys Arena in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The 32-year-old is reportedly on the verge of agreeing to a three-belt unification bout against reigning WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara next, with an official announcement expected to be made in the coming weeks.

Anthony Joshua left in hysterics as Paddy Pimblett takes down and ‘chokes’ boxer in training session

Paddy Pimblett showed Anthony Joshua exactly why he is arguably the UFC’s fastest rising star during a light-hearted training session.

The British pair are two of combat sports’ biggest names, with Joshua a commercial super power in boxing, while Pimblett is currently on a trajectory destined for the pinnacle of the UFC.

Despite their shared talents in combat sports, the two have rarely crossed paths, until now.

JUST IN: Former Canelo Alvarez rival challenges Terence Crawford

As part of a sponsorship deal with Under Armour, the two were pit against each other in both MMA and boxing training as they showed each other their skills.

Pimblett first showed Joshua some of his wrestling and grappling skills, in particular the chokehold which he used to record career-best victory against Michael Chandler in May.

The Liverpudlian took down the giant heavyweight, who weighs over 230lbs, and quickly placed him in a choke hold.

Of course, it was playful and the pair were seen grinning during the exchange.

Joshua was flat on his back with Pimblett tightening the hold, before loosening the grip.

The British heavyweight was stunned, and replied: “That is mad innit? If you done that properly, I reckon I could get out.”

He then added: “First time I have been in the cage. I just said to myself, ‘this ain’t for me.'”

Proceedings next switched to Joshua, who then coached Pimblett on his boxing ability.

Joshua showed Pimblett a range of powerful combinations, which have seen him floor the likes of Wladimir Klitschko and Dillian Whyte during his illustrious career.

The Jiu-Jitsu specialist was keen to learn from AJ and sharpen up his striking, and the pair were grinning throughout their playful session.

What is next for Paddy Pimblett and Anthony Joshua?

For now, the pair are out of respective action and are waiting to officially confirm their next bouts.

They are at very different stages of their respective careers, with Pimblett awaiting a lightweight title shot.

‘The Baddy’ is trying to enforce an immediate clash with 155lbs king Ilia Topuria.

The bout could land in January when the dynamite-striking champion is set to return.

But Justin Gaethje could push to enforce his status as leading contender, and make the rising star wait.

As for Joshua, he is set to make his return imminently after an injury setback following his KO defeat to Daniel Dubois last year.

His exact date for a return has yet to be confirmed, with promoter Eddie Hearn suggesting he could first seek a run-out against lowly opposition before the end of the year.

But he has also been sounded out as a potential headliner for a mega-fight in Africa in February.

Irrespective of what happens, it is seen by Joshua and his camp as a last chance to try and reinstate his name in the world level mix.

The post-fight conversation Canelo vs Crawford already points to a new superstar looking for an opportunity.

Although the historic fight between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Terence Crawford is already in the past, the attention of the boxing world has not been diverted from these names. Just over a month after this fight, where the American defeated the Mexican and stripped him of his super middleweight titles, the first challengers willing to step into the ring with the undisputed champion have already begun to emerge.

While both fighters have taken a breather because neither has confirmed upcoming fights, new names have emerged on the list as possible challengers and one of the first has been Jermell Charlo, who already faced Canelo and now raises his hand to face Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford.

Jermell Charlo promises to deliver Terence Crawford 'mega fight' after  Canelo Alvarez showdown and Errol Spence has his rematch | talkSPORT

JUST IN: Oleksandr Usyk Reveals the Truth About His Role During the War

Jermell Charlo wants to face Crawford: “The best fight he can do is with me”

In a recent interview with The Ring Magazine, former world champion Jermell Charlo made no secret of his desire to face Terence Crawford in the near future. Charlo, who has not fought since his decision loss to Canelo in 2023, said that a fight against the undisputed champion would be the ideal challenge:

If I were to be offered a fight with Crawford… I spoke to him once, and it would be an honor to get in the ring with him. Just for what he has done to become undisputed champion, he completed something that I did not complete. To be in the ring against Crawford would be incredible

Jermell Charlo

In addition, Charlo made it clear that from his perspective there is no better opponent currently for Crawford than himself: “I would give him the best fight of the current era. I don’t think there’s another fight in the boxing world that Crawford can do right now. The best fight, actually, would be against me,” the fighter added.

Jermell Charlo vs Terence Crawford: What is known about a possible fight

So far neither Crawford nor his team have officially responded to Charlo’s statements, however, the idea of facing another former world champion with a history in the super welterweight division could be attractive to a boxer like Crawford who has already proven that he can make the leap to higher divisions.

Although Charlo’s last performance left doubts about his current level, his name carries weight in boxing, and the fight with ‘Bud’ could happen if a good purse comes along. However, at the moment many possible opponents have been mentioned for the American and at the moment there is nothing official about the plans of the undisputed champion.

Undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk spoke in detail about his time defending his homeland.

This period saw him photographed holding a rifle and standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow Ukrainian soldiers.

The haunting images sparked years of speculation over whether Usyk ever had to use his weapon. Now, more than three years later, WBN found an interview where the heavyweight king set the record straight.

Boxing: Oleksandr Usyk fires a mortar artillery round in a recent visit to  Ukraine frontlines | Marca

READ: Heavyweight Who Knocked Out Wilder ‘Waiting’ On Anthony Joshu

The Journey Home
On seeing his family for the first time in months during the startling first period of the war, Usyk detailed his journey back to his homeland.

“I had to cancel a direct flight to Kyiv,” Usyk told Profiboxing.cz upon his return a couple of years ago. “I came back via Poland. It took a day to get to Kyiv. Then another two to see my family, and I calmed down a bit.”

The unified champion’s return was fraught with tension. After reuniting with his loved ones, Usyk joined local volunteers working to safeguard key areas as fighting intensified nearby.

‘I May Have Picked Up a Gun, But I Would Never Use It’
In the midst of those chaotic days, photos of Usyk armed with a rifle began circulating worldwide — prompting praise, rumors, and questions.

Usyk has now made his position clear.

“I may have picked up a gun, but that doesn’t mean I would use it,” he said firmly. “I never shot anyone.”

He credited his faith for guiding him through the ordeal.

“I was brought up in the Orthodox faith, which teaches us not to judge others. But for me, whoever supports war is a schizophrenic, a sick person.”

Family Under Threat
Usyk also described the trauma experienced by his family and neighbors during those early attacks.

“I know they shot at our house, broke down the gate, and dragged away some of our neighbors,” he said. “But I don’t know what it looks like there now. We can’t get in touch with anyone. It’s terrible when yours run to hide in the basement at every rustle.”

A Champion’s Perspective
Asked what he would say to those behind the violence, Usyk’s reply was measured and emotionless.

“What would I say to him? Nothing. I’m not interested in the man. I have nothing to say to him.”

For Usyk, boxing became a way to process the experience — a focus that kept him grounded.

“I didn’t think for a moment that I would stay there. This fight will be special for me in that respect.”

Early on in his boxing career, Floyd Mayweather was met with ‘The Drunken Master’, who Mayweather went on to claim was his toughest opponent ever.

Throughout his incredible career in boxing, Floyd Mayweather shared the ring with several all-time greats, including the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, and even Canelo Alvarez.

However, having faced a who’s who of boxing royalty, one fighter he shared the ring with near the beginning of his career stood out to him.

And that is the famous ‘Drunken Master’, Emanuel Augustus, who Mayweather shared the ring with on October 21, 2000, when he was a budding star in the sport.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. celebrates his win over Robert Guerrero

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Mayweather’s nose was bloodied up by ‘The Drunken Master’

In October 1998, Mayweather kicked off the start of his career as a champion when he dominated Genaro Hernandez to become the WBC super featherweight champion at just 21 years old.

After five incredibly impressive title defenses, in 2000 he was matched up against Emanuel Augustus, who was widely regarded as a solid test for Mayweather at that stage in his career.

Although at the time of the fight Augustus was going into it with a record of 22-16-4, he was deemed to be on the wrong end of some extremely questionable decisions on several occasions.

Early into the fight, the younger Mayweather looked to utilise his clear speed advantage, and was working on the body of the 25-year-old.

Augustus’ ‘drunken’ style didn’t prove difficult for Floyd early in the fight as the young star managed to land heavy shots on the body and head of his opponent, despite his awkward showboating style.

However, every time Mayweather seemingly landed a big shot, he was greeted with a smile from his opponent. And at the end of round one during a brief stare down, ‘The Drunken Master’ blew Mayweather a kiss, which visibly fired him up.

Despite controlling the majority of the fight, Mayweather’s nose was bloodied up by the veteran during some tough exchanges.

And then in round nine after a back-and-forth affair that was dominated by Mayweather for the large part, Augustus’ team threw in the towel.

 

Heavyweight Who Knocked Out Deontay Wilder ‘Waiting’ On Anthony Joshua Fight Offer

Anthony Joshua looks set to return at the start of 2026 but is still looking for an opponent.

Joshua is a former two-time unified heavyweight ruler and once king of the division. However, a number of losses have set him back in the last few years.

Back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 202 left him beltless, though he rebuilt well with KO wins over Otto Wallin, Francis Ngannou and Robert Helenius and a points victory over Jermaine Franklin.

Heavyweight Who Knocked Out Deontay Wilder ‘Waiting’ On Anthony Joshua Fight Offer

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That led him to challenge Daniel Dubois for the IBF world title, but he was knocked out inside five rounds last September and has not fought since following minor elbow surgery.

His promoter Eddie Hearn has admitted Joshua’s return will be against someone in the top 20, but one man who has previously knocked out Deontay Wilder has now thrown his name into the hat once more.

Speaking to BoxNation, Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang was asked about his thoughts on a possible match-up with ‘AJ.’

“When it comes to Joshua, I think everyone knows where I stand. The question is whether Joshua and his team want it. I’m here waiting.”

Anthony Joshua vs Zhilei Zhang welcomed by Eddie Hearn as promoter says  pair could clash in China, but insists Deontay Wilder is priority |  talkSPORT

Zhang is north of 40-years-old but still presents a big problem for anyone. He has won 27 of his 31 contests, 22 by knockout, including beating Joe Joyce twice.

He has also fought the likes of Joseph Parker and Filip Hrgovic, but the biggest win of his career arguably came in June 2024, when he knocked out former WBC heavyweight champion Wilder in brutal fashion.

Zhang still throws plenty of big shots so whether or not Joshua and his team would see sufficient reward in taking this challenge is yet to be seen. as he has also been linked with Arslanbek Makhmudov.