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.

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.’

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.

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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.”

Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed he’ll fight on for “three more years” — meaning the reigning heavyweight king could remain at the top until age 41.

The undisputed champion revealed his plans on his Ready to Fight platform, vowing to keep boxing until his body — or the mandatory queue — says otherwise.

“I’ll fight until I’m 41,” Usyk told his Ready to Fight venture alongside Sergey Lapin. “Then I’ll build a sports academy. I’ll train there and train others.”

The Ukrainian maestro, who dethroned Tyson Fury last year and repeated the feat in December 2025, appears set for another mandatory merry-go-round that could define the remainder of his career.

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Usyk’s Next Move
“I can’t say who exactly because negotiations are ongoing,” Usyk admitted. “I’d like to make something up for you right now.”

With the sanctioning bodies circling, Usyk’s next four fights will likely come from a pool of six contenders outlined by World Boxing News. They are Joseph Parker, Fabio Wardley (depending on who wins their bout), Agit Kabayel, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and rising phenom Moses Itauma.

The Mandatory Chaos
Each presents a different kind of challenge. Kabayel, as the WBC’s mandatory, is a logical step for late 2026 or early 2027. Fury, of course, is pushing hard for the trilogy — desperate to regain the prestige he lost in Riyadh. Parker continues his late-career surge, and Wardley’s stock is rising. The winner of their October 25 clash will be first in line, potentially for a spot in the spring of next year in Saudi Arabia.

Finally, Wilder could still earn redemption if his comeback momentum holds, and he defeats a top name by the time Usyk completes the first stipulated title defense.

Then there’s Itauma — the 20-year-old prodigy already linked to a “passing of the torch” bout that Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh is said to want before Usyk hangs up the gloves.

“He Doesn’t Hit Grandpas!”
Usyk laughed off talk of facing Itauma anytime soon, though he didn’t completely rule it out.

“No, I won’t fight Itauma [in the next fight]. He’s young — always teasing me,” Usyk joked. “And he said himself he doesn’t hit grandpas!”

The coming years could see Usyk move through a mix of mandatories, mega-fights, and legacy bouts — perhaps ending with one final Riyadh blockbuster before his planned retirement.

“Next year,” Usyk added, “and, God willing, I’ll win.”

For boxing fans, that means three more years of brilliance, chaos, and unpredictability — all led by the sport’s most disciplined “grandpa.”

Usyk’s Possible Finale
Spring 2026 | Parker or Wardley

Fall 2026 | Wilder or Fury

Early 2027 | Kabayel

Final bout in late 2027 | Itauma

Oleksandr Usyk Heartbreakingly Set to Miss Out on Dream Fight, Says Klitschko Mentor

The boxing world is anticipating Oleksandr Usyk’s next move in the heavyweight division. Still, according to Bernd Boente, former 17-year manager of the Klitschkos and long-time Sky Germany and DAZN DACH commentator, Usyk may never get the chance to defend his world titles in Kyiv’s Olympic Stadium—a fight he has long dreamed of.

Boente, a two-time The Ring Magazine Manager of the Year and German Boxing Manager of the Year in 2017, exclusively told World Boxing News that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine makes the Kyiv dream fight unlikely.

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Kyiv Fight in Jeopardy
“Usyk doesn’t have anything to prove to anyone anymore,” Boente told WBN. “His dream is to defend his world titles in Kyiv’s Olympic Stadium after the war. But unfortunately, there are currently no signs that Russia will end its brutal war of aggression anytime soon.”

Boente also outlined Usyk’s potential path if he chooses to continue:

“With an undisputed champion like Usyk, waiting is always a problem for the official challengers. The winner of Parker vs. Wardley is next, and then hopefully Agit Kabayel sometime in 2026. However, if Usyk retires before then, Agit would immediately become WBC World Champion.”

A Career Defined by Mastery and Legacy
Boente praised Usyk’s recent performances and emphasized the importance of finishing a career at the top.

“I would like to see the great person and champion Oleksandr Usyk retire as reigning champion, like Rocky Marciano, Lennox Lewis, and Vitali Klitschko before him. He could even be the second heavyweight champion after Marciano to retire undefeated. Usyk delivered a terrific performance against Dubois. A sold-out Wembley Stadium and excellent PPV sales suggest that the rematch, after Dubois’ sensational KO victory over Anthony Joshua, was a complete commercial success.”

“Usyk has already achieved everything. The right path now is to retire while still at the top—that’s how true champions build legacies that last forever,” Boente added.

What’s Next for Usyk
If Usyk decides to continue fighting, the heavyweight division awaits. Boente noted that official challengers must plan around Usyk’s schedule, with names like Agit Kabayel and the Parker vs. Wardley winner poised for potential title shots.

However, retirement could make those matchups moot, instantly elevating challengers like Kabayel.

Usyk Career Highlights
2012: Wins Olympic Gold in Heavyweight (London).

2013: Turns professional at age 26, debuting on November 9.

2016: Captures WBO Cruiserweight title by defeating Krzysztof Głowacki.

2018: Becomes the undisputed Cruiserweight champion after defeating Murat Gassiev in the WBSS Final.

2019: Moves to Heavyweight, defeating Chazz Witherspoon.

2021: Beats Anthony Joshua to become Unified Heavyweight Champion (WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO).

2022: Successfully defends Unified Heavyweight titles in rematch against Anthony Joshua.

2023: Defends Unified Heavyweight titles against Daniel Dubois in Wrocław, Poland.

2024 (May): Defeats Tyson Fury via Split Decision to become Undisputed Heavyweight Champion (WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, and The Ring).

2024 (December): Defeats Tyson Fury via Unanimous Decision to successfully defend the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship.

2025: Reclaims undisputed heavyweight titles in a rematch against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.

Analysis
Boente’s insights underscore the challenges elite champions face: balancing legacy, opportunity, and external factors beyond their control.

Usyk has accomplished nearly everything inside the ring, and his choices now, whether to retire or continue facing challengers, will define the lasting legacy of one of modern boxing’s greatest heavyweights.

Oleksandr Usyk has spoken out after he was spotted taking part in a charity football match despite sustaining some minor injuries following his clash with Daniel Dubois.

Pepe, Figo, Pauleta and Helder Postiga all scored as Portugal legends secured a 4-1 win over World legends in the inaugural Legends Charity Game. One of the biggest surprises from the match saw the Ukrainian swap the boxing gloves for the football boots. Usyk played 17 minutes in the first half and 6 minutes in the second half.

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The aim of the charity match was to raise over €1,000,000 for several charitable organisations, including the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, Portuguese Red Cross, International Alert, and Caritas Portuguesa. Fans were left stunned after Usyk took part in the game despite having to postpone his mandatory world title defence against Joseph Parker due to an injury claim.

The Ukrainian was previously ordered to defend his WBO gold strap against Parker after beating Daniel Dubois in July. That said, the bout has since been delayed on medical grounds and recent reports revealed that Usyk’s team had been successful in their appeal for a 90-day extension.

Despite suffering a few injuries against ‘Triple D,’ Usyk remained under the close supervision of his team and medical staff in Lisbon. Speaking about the charity match, the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion said: “Football is my childhood dream. Now I want to help Ukrainian children to make their dreams come true. The Usyk Foundation raises money to help sixty four families have a home again. This is just a drop in the ocean — a million of Ukrainians have lost their homes. But we do what we can.” He added: “I consider sport as a very powerful tool to make the world better.”

Usyk, 38, participated as a guest, but also wanted to draw attention to his own charitable initiative – the Usyk Foundation. The current fundraising campaign by his foundation aims to raise €3million (£2.5m) for the ‘construction of new housing for 64 Ukrainian families who lost their homes due to Russia’s full-scale invasion.’

Last month, Usyk grabbed the headlines after he was filmed dancing at a music concert. After the clip went viral online, Parker’s promoter – David Higgins – was quick to question the Ukrainian’s injury. “I haven’t actually seen the medical evidence but you would think that a serious injury would prevent that sort of activity,” he said. While Usyk is not expected to return this year, Parker will have at least one more fight before facing the Ukrainian. The Kiwi heavyweight will take on British star Fabio Wardley in London on October 25.

Oleksandr Usyk’s Belts Under Threat as Football Clip Fuels Injury Outrage Amid Crawford’s P4P Takeover

In July, Oleksandr Usyk put the brakes on Daniel Dubois for a second time, solidifying his status as a three-time undisputed champion in both cruiserweight and heavyweight. Talk about a heavyweight title with a side of déjà vu! All eyes are now on a possible showdown with the interim WBO champ, Joseph Parker. Let the games begin! The WBO has given Usyk the green light to defend his titles, but it seems his team has hit the brakes on negotiations, blaming an injury for the delay. Yet, Parker’s promoter, David Higgins, couldn’t resist highlighting a viral clip of Usyk showing off his dance moves.

He suggested that someone with a serious injury wouldn’t normally be able to move like that. Regardless, Usyk was granted a 90-day extension by the WBO after he presented medical evidence while recovering from the injury. Parker is now facing Fabio Wardley in October this year. Fast forward to September 9, a report from ESPN revealed that Usyk will compete in a charity football match in Portugal on September 15, named the ‘Legends Charity Game,’ which will be held at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon.

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Oleksandr Usyk played for a cause

The charity game featured former Premier League stars such as Edwin van der Sar, Petr Čech, John Terry, and Michael Owen, among others. CEO of Sport Global, Rasmus Sojmark, revealed that the undisputed heavyweight champion personally reached out to him and asked to take part. Although the match was primarily for ex-footballers, Sojmark agreed—it was Usyk asking, after all.

The Ukrainian boxer used the occasion to promote his charitable initiative, the Usyk Foundation, which supports communities in Ukraine and the country’s army. Meanwhile, the CEO of Usyk’s team, Sergey Lapin, clarified that recovery doesn’t mean complete inactivity. “Usyk has not been prescribed bed rest; he is allowed to take part in charity sporting events and engage in moderate physical activity,” Lapin told Ready to Fight.

He added, “But it’s obvious that dancing or attending events is not the same as a three-month training camp for a title fight.” Regardless, Everything Boxing shared a clip from the match on X, captioning: “Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk playing in the Portugal Legends vs World Legends football game today.” This comes as Terence Crawford was promoted to the No.1 spot in Ring Magazine’s pound-for-pound rankings after he defeated Canelo Alvarez.

Oleksandr Usyk, who previously held the spot, has now been moved down to the second spot on the rankings. Regardless, despite his team’s explanation, the footage ignited criticism online, with calls to strip Usyk of his titles spreading quickly across social media.

Fans allege Usyk faked his injury

The clip went viral, and one user questioned whether Usyk was injured. “Is he not injured?” Usyk will now return to boxing and decide whether to fight the winner of Parker and Wardley or relinquish his title altogether.

Another user sarcastically poked fun at Usyk. “Is this recent? I thought he was injured 😂😂,” the user commented. Usyk is not bedridden despite his injury.

The next user demanded that Usyk be stripped immediately. “Is this recent? I thought he was injured 😂😂,” the user wrote. However, that’s unlikely to happen anytime soon.

Meanwhile, this user blamed Frank Warren for not pushing hard enough for the fight. “Lol Usyk really doesn’t give a f—k about fighting Joseph Parker, but tbf I don’t think Frank and Queensberry really pushed as hard to make the fight as they may have claimed,” the user commented. Regardless of how much a promoter pushes for a fight, the decision lies with the fighter.

Someone else roped in Joseph Parker into the conversation. “Parker is gonna love this 💀,” the user commented. However, he can’t really do anything until Usyk agrees to fight him.

Having said that, it appears Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to play the football match has caused fans to turn on him.