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Oleksandr Usyk haunted by only ‘knockdown’ in new challenger from heavyweight’s ‘best body puncher’

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Ross Markey | Last updated Nov 6, 2025 5:04 PM ET

Gearing up for his return to the ring next year, undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has a new challenger awaiting his comeback to boxing.

Widely expected to unify the WBO title against Fabio Wardley off the back of his shock knockout win over Joseph Parker, Ukrainian force Oleksandr Usyk has yet to land a date for his comeback.

However, with rumors of a clash against two-fight rival Tyson Fury also swirling, Usyk is also reportedly set to train alongside common rival Anthony Joshua ahead of the Brit’s return next year.

As far as his own career is concerned, however, Usyk has been haunted by his sole pro ‘knockdown’, with the division’s self-proclaimed biggest body puncher offering him a route back to the ring.

Photo by Ronny Hartmann/Bongarts/Getty Images

Oleksandr Usyk offered stadium outing by Agit Kabayel

Yet to be put on the canvas during his undefeated professional run, during his time in the amateurs, Artur Beterbiev got the better of Usyk with a knockdown.

However, the Ukrainian megastar’s most recent foe, Daniel Dubois can count himself unlucky to have missed a knockdown in their first fight, with a close beltline shot judged as a low strike.

And in a warning issued to Usyk, the undefeated German star Agit Kabayel has welcomed a chance to fight for gold in his home country, boasting of his own body-blowing skills.

KABAYEL vs. USYK⁉️#KabayelKnyba | Jan 10 | Live on DAZN▪️ pic.twitter.com/Gi7Qi70YDn
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) November 5, 2025

“The fans will say Agit Kabayel is the best body puncher in the division,” Kabayel said during a press event ahead of his fight with Damian Knyba. “In Germany, there are so many Ukrainian people. It’s easy to make a full stadium with this fight.

“My last performance was very good. If Usyk accepts it, I’m ready.”

Oleksandr Usyk plans to extend retirement tour

Following his second career win over London star Dubois earlier this summer, Usyk was linked heavily with a potential career swan song before too long.

Drawing links to a trilogy fight with Fury despite twice defeating the former WBC heavyweight champion, Usyk rebuffed the rumors, claiming he still planned to fight a handful more times before hanging up his gloves.

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

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