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Oleksandr Usyk will fight in July or August 2025 to defend his unique heavyweight title. He defeated former WBC champion Tyson Fury by unanimous decision in 12 rounds in their rematch last Saturday night in Riyadh.
The fight was easier for Usyk than their previous bout as Fury decided to bulk up to 281lbs and was too heavy to do anything in the fight.
Tyson looked over poor physical shape as if he made a token effort in training camp preparing for a return. It was embarrassing to watch and must have been disappointing for his fans. Looking at Fury’s belly, you could tell he had been eating well during camp.
Who’s next?
Usyk’s manager, Egis Klimas, told Boxingscene that Oleksander (23-0, 14 KOs) will rest until next summer. No word on who Usyk might face next. These interesting options for Usyk’s voluntary defense:
– Agit Kabayel
– Moises Itauma
– Fabio Wardley
– Martin Bakole
British fans speak It will hurt following his victory over assistant Demsey McKean last Saturday night. If Itauma’s promoter believes in him, he should put his faith to the test by fighting Usyk with him while he’s still in the game. If they wait, Usyk will withdraw and Itauma will remain in the fight without a name.
The timing could mean that a unification bout against IBF champion Daniel Dubois is not an option for Usyk’s next fight. Dubois defends his belt against Joseph Parker on Feb. 22, and it would be a quick turnaround for him to return to camp and begin training for a fight against Usyk in July or August.
The 27-year-old Dubois is young enough to make a quick return to the ring, but he won’t be at his best as he will need time to prepare for Usyk’s style. He can’t do that with a short workout during training camp.
If Dubois rushes into the fight against the talented Ukrainian, he could regret it and suffer another knockout loss like in their first fight last year on August 26 in Wroclaw, Poland. Usyk boxed Dubois through eight rounds, then did so in the ninth round to knock out the tired giant.
Like the first, it wasn’t a punishing fight for Usyk, as he outsmarted Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs), using his limited mobility to load him up with combinations.
It showed that the Gypsy King has lost a lot of his game over the past four years, worn down by his three fights against ‘Bronze Bomber’ Deontay Wilder.
