Oleksandr Usyk Archives - Page 6 of 10

BOXING

After Missing Deontay Wilder Shot, ‘Big shot’ Puts Usyk on Wishlist

By Admin November 23, 2025

Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw demands attention in the heavyweight division: he wants real opportunities and a shot at the world title, starting with Oleksandr Usyk.

The 33-year-old spoke to World Boxing News exclusively after a video of him working Amazon delivery shifts went viral two weeks ago, spotlighting a fighter many in the US feel has been overlooked.

Shaw on the Wilder collapse
Shaw confirmed that talks for a fight with Deontay Wilder fell apart in March.

“I’m not aligned with the people that make big fights happen,” Shaw told WBN. “He didn’t want to fight me. They went with someone safer in Tyrell Herndon.

READ: The difficult Paul question that Joshua fight will finally answer

“I asked his team if he could give me an opportunity after the fight. They told me it would be a big fight and have to make financial sense for all of us, and I responded by saying that I couldn’t agree more.”

The fight never materialized, leaving Shaw sidelined despite his pedigree and proven skills.

Ambitions: Usyk, rematches, and top contenders
Asked to name some of the opponents he wants to target after the Wilder collapse, Shaw gave a surprisingly detailed list, showing how much attention he’s currently paying to the heavyweight climate.

“If I could choose? Oleksandr Usyk for the heavyweight championship of the world,” began Shaw, aiming at the very pinnacle of the sport.

“I have shown who I am, even to bounce back from my defeats. I would love a rematch with Joe Goodall and Efe Ajagba ASAP. They must be too afraid to get back in there with me.”

Giving his full wishlist, Shaw stated, “Joe Goodall, Efe Ajagba, Anthony Joshua, Jared Anderson, Jermaine Franklin, Brandon Moore, Andrii Novytskyi, Jarrell Miller, Michael Hunter, Andy Ruiz, Guido Vianello, Richard Torrez. To throw names out there.”

Frustration with US support
Despite US fans crying out for a new top-tier hero as Wilder prepares for retirement, Shaw admits he is disillusioned with the support.

“The American public doesn’t stick by their fighters like international fighters and their fans. A guy like Derek Chisora, who’s 40+ with 10+ losses (multiple KO losses), can still be beloved and appreciated from his country.”

Why Shaw shouldn’t be on the shelf
Shaw is 21-2 (16 KOs) with a 76% knockout rate, standing 6’4″ with an 81-inch reach. He has 88 professional rounds under his belt, and last fought April 12, 2025, stopping Raphael Akpejiori in the first round at Maryland Live Casino in Hanover.

Currently, Shaw is ranked 41 by BoxRec and number five in the US, and despite signing with ProBox on a three-fight deal, only one has come to fruition, leaving one of America’s most naturally talented heavyweights inactive at a critical stage of his career.

WBN believes Shaw is far too talented to remain inactive, especially given his elite amateur pedigree, professional record, and willingness to face the very best in the division.

With Shaw openly calling out Usyk, pressing for rematches, listing a dozen top contenders, and demanding activity, the message is simple:

He is ready. He wants big names. And the heavyweight division can no longer ignore him.

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Anthony Joshua shocks fans with Oleksandr Usyk link-up ahead of

By Admin November 23, 2025

Anthony Joshua shocks fans with Oleksandr Usyk link-up ahead of Jake Paul showdown

Anthony Joshua has surprised fans after confirming that he will be preparing with Oleksandr Usyk’s team for his next fight.

Since splitting with long-time head coach Rob McCracken after his first loss to Usyk back in 2021, Joshua has bounced around camps. He worked with Robert Garcia and Derrick James, before a brief link-up with Ben Davison that he appears to have finished after being knocked out by Daniel Dubois.

READ: Why I misled Paul’s team about Joshua’s weight – Hearn

Now as he prepares to face Jake Paul in Miami, Joshua claims to have linked with his great rival’s team, albeit without the input of Usyk himself. The pair have appeared friendly whenever they have met, but they aren’t actually teaming up and the Ukrainian is not currently with Joshua in camp.

Anthony Joshua joins up with Oleksandr Usyk’s team for Jake Paul fight

On Friday afternoon, Anthony Joshua came head-to-head with Jake Paul for the first time since their Netflix super-fight was announced on Monday. The pair looked comically mismatched in terms of size, but stayed relatively respectful of one another in the build-up.

Aside from the face-off itself, it was not a particularly noteworthy press conference as the pair refused to engage in the trappings of trash talk that usually come with these sorts of events. However, Joshua did drop a bombshell when asked by host Ariel Helwani who would be in his corner for the fight.

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He revealed that he had been spending time working with Oleksandr Usyk’s team, albeit away from his old rival who recently dropped his WBO belt and lost undisputed status on a technicality.

“I was invited to train with Team Usyk,” Joshua told Helwani. “We’ve been doing some good training. He’s one of the best in the world. Getting an insight to how someone who’s achieved so much has been phenomenal. It’s been a great experience and it’s very challenging.”

Fans confused by Anthony Joshua’s exciting Usyk team news

Many fans have taken to social media to voice their confusion at the idea that Joshua is pulling out all the stops in order to prepare for a challenge like Paul. He noted that he finds too many distractions in London, and has as such gone international again.

“Trained by team usyk to fight Jake Paul… what a circus,” one fan wrote on Instagram, with another adding on X: “Yeah! Because you need an unbeaten champion to train with to ensure you beat the money man.”

Many fans noted that Joshua was already at a massive advantage given his size and world level experience. But they now feel he has an unassailable lead over Paul, writing: “Jake was already dead, but now he dead-dead.”

Another comical fan claimed that Usyk didn’t want his wins over Joshua to age poorly by him losing to Paul. “Usyk & his team were like ‘yeah you’re not f—ing this up & giving boxers a bad name we’re gonna help you’,” they wrote.

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BOXING

How Oleksandr Usyk decision could be major boost for Tyson Fury

By Admin November 21, 2025

Tyson Fury’s chances of fighting Oleksandr Usyk have been boosted by the Ukrainian’s decision to give up one of his belts.

Former two-time heavyweight champion Fury announced his shock retirement from the sport back in January following back-to-back defeats to the Ukrainian. Just weeks after hanging up the gloves, the ‘Gypsy King’ posted clips of him returning to training – hinting at a potential comeback.

Fury’s sabbatical seemingly ended back in July after he confirmed he would be making a sensational return to the squared-circle next year. That said, he has since sent out rather mixed signals after he recently stated that not even a £1billion pay day would tempt him into a comeback.

JUST IN: There is Only One Fight Left, As Oleksandr Usyk Gave up a World

Warren said: “The fight he really wants is another go with Mr. Usyk, he really wants that. And they were great fights, really close fights, to watch. I’d watch that again. That’s the fight he wants. That’s the one he talks about all the time.” And the ‘Gypsy King’ could find himself in a position where he could walk into an immediate fight with his rival.

Earlier this week, Fabio Wardley was crowned the new WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk gave up his belt. The Brit stopped Joseph Parker in the 11th round of their epic dust-up last month to become interim WBO champion. The Ukrainian behemoth had already been ordered to defend his four belts against the Ipswich native, but Wardley has now been elevated to full champion.

Following the news, Usyk now seemingly has no obligations he must fulfil in the near future – which frees up a potential third fight with Fury should he decide to perform a major U-turn. Earlier this year, the 37-year-old was quick to throw his hat in the ring to fight the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.

Reacting to Usyk’s win over Daniel Dubois back in July, Fury said: “Massive shout out to Oleksandr Usyk. He did a fantastic performance tonight over Daniel Dubois, a good, young, game lad who came for a good tear, so congratulations to both men but Oleksandr Usyk knows there is only one man who can beat him.

“I did it twice before and the world knows it. I have been f***** good and proper. I took it like a man and here is me, not f****** around at some boxing match, I am out on the road running. I am running tonight. I came home, I did my job and I got myself back and I am the man. I am the f****** spartan and no matter what anyone wants to say, I won those fights. Guaranteed, 100 per cent. There is only one man. GK (Gypsy King) all day every day. Get up!”

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BOXING

There is Only One Fight Left, As Oleksandr Usyk Gave up a World

By Admin November 21, 2025

Oleksandr Usyk gave up a world title, now there is only one fight left

At the age of 38, Oleksandr Usyk has already assured himself of a place in boxing’s Hall of Fame.

The brilliant Ukrainian (24-0) has been peerless at every level during a career which has showcased his staggering brilliance at every turn.

A 335-15 amateur record, topped off by Olympic gold at London 2012, undisputed world champion at cruiserweight after turning professional and now undisputed twice at heavyweight.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2 Wembley Stadium Press Conference April 2025

READ: Jake Paul Reveals ‘Real Reason’ Behind Why He’s Fighting Joshua

So when Usyk vacated his WBO world title on Monday, passing it on to Britain’s fairytale fighter Fabio Wardley, he did so having earned the right to plot his next move. One which could be his last as an active fighter.

There are those who still say Usyk is not proven at heavyweight, yet he has defeated Tyson Fury twice, Anthony Joshua twice and Daniel Dubois twice. Among others. He has been the ultimate road warrior, repelling not just elite fighters but also hostile home crowds.

So with time surely running out on an incredible career, what summits are left for Usyk to scale? In our opinion, only one.

Mercifully the talk of Oleksandr facing Jake Paul in a crossover fight (this was a thing back in the summer) appear to have gone away, with the aforementioned Joshua taking on that assignment in Miami next month..

Next fight for Usyk

What about a trilogy fight against Fury? Not for us, we remember the rematch in December 2024 where Usyk was a more clear-cut winner than he had been in their first meeting. Whatever size and ring savvy Fury had, it was not enough. Usyk was just better.

The rest of the heavyweight division right now is comprised of fighters just below that elite box office level, and these guys are called prizefighters for a reason. Usyk surely decided against a mandatory defence of that WBO title because Joseph Parker and then Wardley will not produce the PPV blockbuster that his stature now demands.

Usyk deserves the right to call the shots from here on in, and there is only one which would really set the pulses racing, one which would surely demand that Oleksandr rocks up with maximum focus and in perfect shape. Enter Moses Itauma.

Why it has to be Moses Itauma

The 20-year-old Itauma is the one heavyweight feared by all in the sport’s marquee weight class right now – even if his rivals won’t all publicly admit it.

The young sensation from Chatham in Kent has raced to 13-0 with 11 wins inside two rounds – a resume packed with highlight-reel finishes. None better than his last outing, that one-round demolition job on former world title challenger Dillian Whyte.

Itauma’s breathtaking cocktail of speed, power and ring savvy are incredible for one so young – and right now they appear to be the only true threat to the mighty Usyk.

Saudi power broker Turki Alalshikh summed it up in July, when in the immediate aftermath of Usyk’s win over Dubois, he said: “I want to see Usyk against Itauma. This is the fight”. And so say all of us.

A Usyk vs Itauma fight would be a global spectacular – the brilliant established grand master against the devastating young challenger. Experience vs youth, balletic brilliance vs devastating power. A match for both the connoisseur and the casual.

It is our firm belief that Itauma right now would start favourite against any heavyweight who is not named Usyk or Fury, and a showdown with Fury appears unlikely with ‘The Gypsy King’ holding no world titles right now.

So Usyk vs Itauma is the dream, the one fight that Oleksandr can now take on which would arguably lift his reputation even higher. Beating Fury or Joshua again, or any of those other pretenders, not so much.

The fact Fury and Joshua appear to be getting in position to settle their all-British rivalry at long last at some stage in 2026 just makes the way forward for Usyk even more clear. Not only does it make sense on every level, the pathway is open.

The only reason not to do this for Usyk is danger – any other heavyweight aside from Itauma carries a lower risk. A lower risk of defeat, and a lower risk of getting hurt.

But Usyk is the ultimate fighting man, a boxing great who has ducked no challenges, instead accepted every one sent his way. In any land, at any weight, in front of any crowd.

As Oleksandr prepares to sail off into the boxing sunset to deservedly enjoy the spoils of his success with his family, there is just one mountain left which is worthy of his ascent. One summit to reach, one rival to repel.

Usyk vs Itauma, in 2026. As Turki Alalshikh so rightly said, “this is the fight”.

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BOXING

VIDEO: ‘Real Reason’ Why Oleksandr Usyk Gave Up His WBO He

By Admin November 19, 2025

‘Real Reason’ Why Oleksandr Usyk Gave Up His WBO Heavyweight Title Revealed

Oleksandr Usyk shocked the boxing world by relinquishing his WBO heavyweight championship on Monday evening. The decision to give up the title ended Usyk’s second reign as undisputed heavyweight champion, which began when he knocked out Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to add the IBF version of the heavyweight crown to the WBA, WBC and WBO titles that he was already in possession of.

The Ukrainian’s decision was confirmed by the WBO in a statement, with Usyk yet to comment on his reasons for dumping the gold. However, the situation led to good news for Britain’s Fabio Wardley.

JUST IN: Paul vs Joshua: Turki Alalshikh told Anthony Joshua it would be ‘go

Within minutes of it emerging that Usyk was giving up the title, interim WBO heavyweight titleholder Wardley was promoted to full champion. The Ipswich slugger had already earned the opportunity to challenge for the belt after stopping fellow top contender Joseph Parker in controversial fashion last month. However, Wardley, who is unbeaten in 21 fights and has 19 knockout wins, now won’t have to fight to earn the gold.

The WBA statement annoucing Usyk’s decision read:

“The World Boxing Organisation announced today that it has received formal communication from Team Oleksandr Usyk regarding the future of the WBO Heavyweight Championship. After thoughtful consideration, Usyk has elected to relinquish his title. We accept and respect his decision to relinquish the WBO Heavyweight Super Championship. This is not a farewell, but — as expressed by his team — a respectful pause. The doors of the WBO will always remain open to Oleksandr Usyk and his team.”

The governing body went out of their way to insist that there was no ill will towards Usyk after he voluntarily surrendered the belt. There was, though, nothing in the way of an explanation as to why the call had been made.

Why Oleksandr Usyk Really Gave Up WBO Heavyweight Championship

Amid much speculation, Sky Sports Boxing reporter Andy Scott rubbished speculation that Usyk had given up the gold in order to duck Wardley, before explaining what the true motivation likely was behind the decision.

“He [Usyk] hasn’t come out yet and given a reason why he has vacated that belt. He’s been nursing this back injury, hasn’t he, which caused a lot of debate online because he likes a party […] And there were a couple of people who raised an eyebrow and said, ‘Is that really a man who has a back injury and is that the reason he didn’t fight Wardley?’ But there are also people who are calling it a duck from Usyk.

“But can we just be real for a second? The guy has been to everybody’s backyard, fought every single fighter that he could, and never shied away from a contest. I don’t think Oleksandr Usyk is ducking or running away from Fabio Wardley.”

Scott continued: “I would suspect that he doesn’t want to dance to the tune of the governing bodies who have put a time span on things. What is he now, 38? When we all get to that age, the back’s a bit sorer isn’t it, and he probably wants more time to recover, and he wants to plot his own course out of the sport.”

Last month, Usyk suggested that he would like to remain active until his 41st birthday, which is in January 2028. ‘The Cat’ has frequently spoken about his desire to face Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua in a trilogy fight – or potentially even meet Jake Paul in an MMA bout. While his future plans are unclear, it seems as though the former undisputed cruiserweight champion is now only interested in big fights as he “plots his own course” to retirement in just over two-and-a half years.

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Undisputed Era Ends As Oleksandr Usyk Makes Final Decision On

By Admin November 18, 2025

Oleksandr Usyk Makes Final Decision On Whether He Will Defend Or Relinquish His WBO Title

Oleksandr Usyk has made a final decision on whether he will be defending his WBO heavyweight title against mandatory challenger Fabio Wardley next.

The 38-year-old Ukrainian superstar has had an exceptional campaign at heavyweight, becoming the first fighter of the ‘four belt era’ to win the undisputed championship on two separate occasions.

READ: Turki Alalshikh Hints At Anthony Joshua Superfight After Jake Paul

Usyk cemented himself as arguably the best heavyweight of his entire generation in July when he stopped Britain’s Daniel Dubois in the 5th round of their historic showdown at Wembley Stadium.

It had been suggested that the Ukrainian great could return to the ring to defend his undisputed championship against Fabio Wardley, who became the WBO mandatory challenger when he defeated Joseph Parker last month.

As revealed by the World Boxing Organization on Monday evening, Usyk has actually decided to relinquish his world title to bring an end to his reign as the undisputed heavyweight champion.

“The World Boxing Organization (WBO) announced today that it has received formal communication from Team Oleksandr Usyk regarding the future of the WBO Heavyweight Championship. After thoughtful consideration, Usyk has elected to relinquish the title.”

This decision means that Wardley has been elevated to full WBO world champion, which was confirmed by the Brit’s promoter Frank Warren shortly after the WBO statement was released.

Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport.

One of the most incredible stories I’ve seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be prouder of @FabioWardley.

Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy… pic.twitter.com/XYapl0vs9n

— Frank Warren (@FrankWarren) November 17, 2025

It has been quite the journey for Ipswich’s Wardley, who made his professional debut back in 2017 without having a single amateur contest. The 30-year-old had just a handful of white collar bouts before entering the paid ranks, where he has defeated the likes of Justis Huni, David Adeleye and Joseph Parker last time out.

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Oleksandr Usyk Shocks Former Heavyweight World Champion By Telling Him ‘We Will Fight’

By Admin November 9, 2025

Oleksandr Usyk quietly plots his next move, with numerous top contenders vying for their shot to share the ring with him.

Oleksandr Usyk ordered to fight Joseph Parker by WBO - BBC Sport

The great Ukrainian became undisputed in the heavyweight division for a second time earlier this year when he knocked Daniel Dubois out at Wembley Stadium.

He now has a mandatory challenger in Fabio Wardley to face, as well as WBC Interim Champion Agit Kabayel waiting in the wings. Whilst Usyk has remained relatively tight-lipped on his next move, he has made it clear he is likely to fight again.

Oleksandr Usyk, the pride of a nation: I fight for those who defend Ukraine and for those no longer with us | Marca

READ: Fabio Wardley explains why he has a better chance of beating Oleksandr Usyk than Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

As the top contenders make their case for a shot at the throne, former three-belt champion Andy Ruiz Jr has joined the charge. In fact, speaking to Covers, Ruiz revealed that the undisputed Ukrainian recently messaged him saying he was open to a fight if things aligned.

“Maybe like a few weeks ago, I was messaging Usyk. I guess he sent me a message or something. I was like, ‘Hey, much love, brother. I would love to get in the ring with you. It would be a pleasure.’ And then he was like, “In God’s timing, we will do it. We will run it up.” And I was like, “‘Oh, snap.’”

For the match-up to be a serious possibility, Ruiz must get busy fighting. He has been out of the ring since a draw with Jarrell Miller in August of 2024. Prior to that, he fought once in 2022 – a win over Luiz Ortiz – and once in 2021, beating Chris Arreola.

‘The Destroyer’s career highlight remains a shock win over Anthony Joshua in 2019 to become unified champion. He would lose those belts in the rematch six months later, and must find form and convince fans of his remaining potential before being mentioned alongside Usyk. Recent hand surgery and a link-up with former trainer Manny Robles seem to have him motivated.

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Fabio Wardley explains why he has a better chance of beating Oleksandr Usyk than Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

By Admin October 29, 2025

Fabio Wardley is confident he can do what other British heavyweights have failed to do by overcoming Oleksandr Usyk.

Wardley caused a stir in the boxing world on October 25, when he claimed the WBO interim heavyweight title from Joseph Parker.

The pair went toe-to-toe across 11 brutal rounds before Wardley’s barrage of punches forced Parker against the ropes, and the referee waved off the action.

JUST IN: How Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao II leaves Mike Tyson fight in jeopardy as

After scoring a stoppage win over the New Zealander, Wardley is now expected to be next in line to fight Usyk.

Under the WBO’s orders, the undisputed heavyweight king will have to defend his belt or be stripped of his recognition.

When asked by talkSPORT’s Andy Goldstein why he could do what the likes of Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, and Anthony Joshua couldn’t, Wardley had his answer ready.

While his compatriots all had two unsuccessful attempts at beating Usyk, the Ipswich puncher believes two attributes sway the bout in his favour.

He explained: “I think I just offer something a bit different. I think I offer something unconventional.

“It’s hard to say with someone like Oleksandr Usyk, that I can offer something he hasn’t seen.

“There is a rhythm to boxing, a way of doing things that is to-and-fro, almost like a dance of steps and how things should be.

“Then a character like me, someone who comes in such an unorthodox way from an unorthodox background, kind of throws a spanner in the works and throws it off that rhythm.

“I think that’s what I have a good chance of doing.

“Along with a strong heavy right hand as well, and good stamina. One way or another, Usyk will know he’s been in the fight.”

Can Fabio Wardley beat Oleksandr Usyk?

Wardley would certainly say he likes his chances, as, like Usyk, he has yet to face an opponent that can hand him a defeat.

Known for his huge right hand, with 19 of his 20 wins coming by way of knockout, he is certainly a force to be reckoned with.

After winning the brutal war against Parker, Wardley also found himself elevated toNo.2 on The Ring Magazine heavyweight rankings.

The 30-year-old announced himself on the world stage to secure the biggest challenge of his career thus far, which is expected to fall in the first quarter of 2026.

Should Wardley’s prediction for his match-up with Usyk ring true, he would be cementing his place in boxing’s history books as the first man to beat ‘The Cat’.

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BOXING

To Avoid 1 Heavyweight, Oleksandr Usyk Urged to Retire ‘ASAP’

By Admin October 29, 2025

Oleksandr Usyk has very little left to prove in the sport of boxing.

After obliterating the cruiserweight division, he made the step-up to heavyweight in October 2019, where he has continued to reign supreme despite constantly fighting opponents with considerable height and weight advantage.

The Ukrainian would get his chance to fight Anthony Joshua for the heavyweight belts in 2021, where the challenger fought in the champion’s homeland, teaching the Briton a boxing lesson for the 12 rounds and becoming the unified heavyweight champion in the process.

The rematch produced the same result as Usyk, in just his fourth bout in the division, was victorious again via a split decision from the judges. He’d then go on to defeat Tyson Fury twice by way of decision to become the undisputed champion, but would have to vacate the IBF title before the rematch with The Gypsy King as the rules stated he had to face mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois next if he was to keep the belt.

JUST IN: Anthony Joshua suffered gruesome in-ring injury before scoring his

Usyk had already beaten Dubois by way of knockout before his first meeting with Fury. The champion would give the Brit his wish at trying to beat Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight crown for a second time after Dubois himself had beaten Anthony Joshua via knockout. Usyk beat DDD emphatically, however, sending the Brit to the canvas in the fifth round to reclaim his undisputed status.

Oleksandr Usyk’s Next Fight & Future in Boxing

Recently, the 38-year-old told Ukrainian source, UNN, “I will box until I am 41.” It left fans shocked after rumours circulated that he could be retiring.

Following Fabio Wardley’s knockout win over Joesph Parker at the weekend, in a bout that would determine the mandatory challenger for the WBO heavyweight title, attention has turned to a match-up between both Wardley and Usyk next.

The 30-year-old has knocked out 19 fighters of the 20 he has faced in his professional career. While Usyk is no ordinary fighter, the undisputed heavyweight champion isn’t getting any younger and being in the ring with a knockout artist is dangerous for any fighter.

His former promoter and advisor, Alexsander Krassyuk, has expressed his thoughts on the potential fight. Speaking to Boxing King Media, Krassyuk said: “I am public in my [opinion], I want (Oleksandr) Usyk to retire as fast as possible.

“I was even against his fight with (Daniel) Dubois, but okay, that made some sense to become three-time undisputed. Give me one – not two, not three – but one reason to fight (Fabio) Wardley. With all respect to this guy, with all the credit to him, but I am thinking from Usyk’s perspective.”

Despite the promoter’s concerns about his former fighter, the champion will not be intimidated by any boxer, like we have seen in the past. The Ukrainian must first recover from a back injury he sustained in training which has kept him out of the ring for longer than anticipated, with his expected return to action next year.

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Why Deontay Wilder is Now More Likely to Face Usyk Than Tyson Fury

By Admin October 25, 2025

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.

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

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