Oleksandr Usyk is basically the final boss of boxing.
After dismantling Tyson Fury for a second time in Riyadh back in December 2024, the Ukrainian hasn’t just sat on his throne. He’s been reshaping the entire heavyweight landscape. You’ve probably seen the headlines floating around about a trilogy with the Gypsy King or a massive showdown with Fabio Wardley. But if you're looking for the truth about the Oleksandr Usyk next fight, the reality is actually more surgical and legacy-focused than most people realize.
He doesn't need the money. He doesn't even need the belts at this point. Honestly, Usyk is on a "cleaning up the era" tour.
The Bronze Bomber in the Crosshairs
It sounds wild given Deontay Wilder’s recent run of form, but Usyk has officially named Wilder his "first option" for 2026. This isn't just a random call-out. Usyk’s manager, Egis Klimas, has been vocal about the fact that Usyk wants to beat the three definitive heavyweights of this generation: Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Deontay Wilder. He’s already checked two of those boxes twice.
Wilder is the last ghost he needs to exorcise to truly say he conquered the 2010s and 2020s heavyweight era.
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There were rumors of an April 2026 date floating around, but my sources and the latest reports from Saudi Arabia suggest a July 11, 2026, target is much more realistic. The "Bronze Bomber" is currently 40 years old and coming off a TKO win against Tyrrell Anthony Herndon last June. Is he the same guy who terrorized the division for five years? Probably not. But the WBC is already moving behind the scenes to sanction this as a voluntary defense, even with Wilder sitting at a controversial #13 in their public rankings.
Why the Tyson Fury Trilogy is a Long Shot
You’ll see a lot of "clickbaity" stuff about Usyk vs. Fury 3 at Wembley. Tyson himself has been shouting about it on Instagram, claiming a date for April 18, 2026.
Don't buy the hype yet.
BoxingScene and several UK venues have already confirmed that there is no signed agreement. More importantly, Wembley is actually booked for other events on that specific weekend. Fury is desperate for redemption because those two losses—especially the clinical 116-112 unanimous decision defeat in the rematch—really stung his ego. Usyk, meanwhile, seems to have mentally moved past Fury. He’s even hinted that he’d rather retire at 41 than keep circular-fighting the same three guys.
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The Daniel Dubois Factor
We can't ignore what happened in July 2025. Usyk stepped into Wembley and absolutely demolished Daniel Dubois in five rounds. It was a statement. He became a three-time undisputed champion in that fight (depending on which belts you count at the time).
By stopping "Triple D" so convincingly, Usyk effectively shut the door on the younger generation of British heavyweights for at least twelve months. He then vacated his WBO title instead of fighting Fabio Wardley. Why? Because Usyk is chasing icons, not mandatory challengers who don't move the needle globally.
The Physical Reality of a 39-Year-Old Champion
Usyk turned 39 this January. He’s not a young man in a sport where the "big boys" can turn your lights out with one mistake.
While he looks incredible in those training clips from Thailand, there’s been chatter about a nagging shoulder issue—sort of similar to what slowed down AJ a few years back. Despite that, his camp remains adamant that his lateral movement hasn't slowed. He’s still "The Cat." If he fights Wilder, the game plan is obvious: don't get hit by the right hand. It’s the ultimate "high-risk, low-technical-reward" fight, but Usyk wants the scalp.
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What to Watch For Next
If you are tracking the Oleksandr Usyk next fight, keep your eyes on the Riyadh Season announcements over the next few weeks. Turki Alalshikh has the keys to this car. If the money is right, we might see Usyk vs. Wilder in Las Vegas or Los Angeles—marking a rare US appearance for the champ—or a massive stadium show in Saudi.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Ignore the April Fury Date: It’s almost certainly smoke and mirrors from Fury’s camp to stay relevant.
- Watch the WBC Rankings: If Wilder jumps from #13 to the top 10 suddenly, it’s a guaranteed sign the Usyk fight is signed.
- Betting Markets: Keep an eye on the "Will Fight Happen in 2026" props. Currently, Wilder is the odds-on favorite to be the opponent.
- Retirement Watch: Usyk has stated he wants to build a Sports Academy and retire by 41. We are likely looking at his final three fights.
The next few months will determine if we get one last masterpiece from the Ukrainian or if the heavyweight division finally moves on to the next generation. One thing is certain: Usyk isn't running. He's just choosing his exit very carefully.