Copyright Newsweek
Boxing’s heavyweight division could be set for another shift as Oleksandr Usyk plots his return to the ring in 2026. The Ukrainian champion, who holds all four major belts, has been recovering from a back injury while his team evaluates potential opponents for his first defense since defeating Tyson Fury for the second time last year. Usyk, 38, captured the undisputed heavyweight crown by beating Fury twice in 2024, handing the British fighter the only two losses of his professional career. This year, he defeated Daniel Dubois in July, thus becoming a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion. While Fury announced his retirement last January, promoter Frank Warren hinted at a Fury comeback with the British fighter hoping to complete a trilogy against the undefeated champion. Serhii Lapin, Usyk’s longtime adviser, spoke to The Ring on Monday and told the outlet that such a fight no longer makes sense for the champion or his team. “Theoretically, it’s an interesting option, but for whom?” Lapin said about a possible third fight with Fury. “If boxing fans truly support it, then maybe. However, in my opinion, that chapter is already closed.” Lapin explained that Usyk’s focus has shifted toward fulfilling his mandatory obligations rather than revisiting past opponents. The winner of this weekend’s heavyweight clash between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley in London will become the World Boxing Organization’s mandatory challenger and the likely opponent for Usyk’s next bout in the first half of 2026. Lapin said Usyk’s recovery is progressing well following a rehabilitation camp earlier this year. “He feels good and in excellent shape,” Lapin said. Usyk, who is 24-0 with 15 knockouts, recently indicated that he intends to fight until age 41 before hanging up his gloves. “I’ll fight until I’m 41,” Usyk said. “Then I’ll build a sports academy — I’ll train there and train others.” Lapin also commented on speculation linking Usyk to rising British contender Moses Itauma, who scored a first-round knockout against Dillian Whyte in August. Judging by Lapin’s message, Fury and his fans can forget about a trilogy, as it offers nothing new for Usyk after he came out victorious twice in their two 2024 bouts.
