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Oleksandr Usyk can only be beaten by one man according to former world champion who snubs Joseph Parker

Originally posted on Bloody Knockout | By Donal Long | Last updated Aug 3, 2025 11:58 AM ET

Oleksandr Usyk could very well be favoured against any fighter on the planet today as he continues to reign over the heavyweight division.

Usyk’s knockout over Daniel Dubois would result in many people believing that the Ukrainian is the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world.

With there only being so many fights left for the Ukrainian in the sport, there is debate regarding who should be the next opponent for Usyk.

Although Joseph Parker wants to fight for the title, Usyk has not expressed much interest in fighting the New Zealander.

However, one decorated former champion feels there is only one man who stands a chance against the three-time undisputed title holder.

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Richie Woodhall feels that Tyson Fury has the only chance of beating Oleksandr Usyk

Former world super middleweight champion Richie Woodhall was recently interviewed by Seconds Out, where he was asked about what may be next for Usyk.

When the three names Tyson Fury, Parker, and Moses Itauma were presented to Woodhall, the current Olympic boxing coach said, “I think Moses Itauma is probably the one who’s got the most talent.”

However, despite appreciating the talents of the young star, Itauma was not who Woodhall felt could beat Usyk.

“Tyson Fury, I think, is probably the one for me that possibly could beat Usyk. I think Moses Itauma and Usyk are going to miss each other, aren’t they?”

Woodhall believes that Itauma is a fight or two away from fighting for a world title, and that Usyk may have retired by that point.

Oleksandr Usyk has not engaged in negotiations to face Joseph Parker

Despite the WBO ordering a fight between Usyk and Parker, it appears as if the Ukrainian has not engaged in talks to face the interim heavyweight champion.

Parker’s promoter David Higgens told Sky Sports News that there has been ‘no engagement’ in regard to a fight between his fighter and Usyk.

“Last time I spoke to Frank Warren, there had been no engagement. That is what I was told, a couple of days ago,” Higgens said.

Frank Warren promotes Parker while the New Zealander is in the United Kingdom.

If Usyk does not comply with the WBO’s order of the fight, he will likely be stripped of his heavyweight title from that sanctioning body, retaining just his WBA, IBF, and WBC belts.

This article first appeared on Bloody Knockout and was syndicated with permission.

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