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What’s Next For Oleksandr Usyk?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 10:25 AM ET

Oleksandr Usyk became undisputed at heavyweight for the second time, as we look at his next steps.

Usyk, 38, is coming off a stoppage win over Daniel Dubois, as he secured his second victory against Dubois. The Ukrainian has said he wants one more fight before he retires. Tyson Fury is chasing a third fight with him, having lost his previous two to Usyk, claiming he had won both fights.

The Gypsy King is targeting an April, 2026, date. However, the demand to see that fight is a lot less. Most of the boxing community had Usyk clearly winning, while Fury’s response has created backlash. There is a perception that Usyk has mentally broken Fury after the latter refused to accept the results.

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Elsewhere, Usyk has been linked with a fight against his WBO mandatory, Joseph Parker. Parker is arguably in the best form of his career. He has secured wins over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole in his last three fights. Parker approached Usyk after his win over Dubois, indicating his desire to make the fight. Usyk responded by stating that he plans to take a break before he decides what he wants next.

Equally, Jake Paul is also targeting the Ukrainian. Paul faced off against Usyk in the ring, setting the narrative for a future fight. However, that would likely be in MMA. Paul signed with the PFL in 2023, but has yet to make his debut. Usyk has a wrestling background and has not ruled out exploring such a possibility.

However, if the Saudis get their way, it will be Moses Itauma. Itauma — the 20-year-old undefeated British fighter, with a 12-0 (10 KOs) record has been mentioned. Itauma is seen as a future heavyweight champion, but facing Usyk is another level altogether.

“I want to see Usyk against Itauma. This is the fight,” Turki Al-Sheikh

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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