Oleksandr Usyk’s next move appears to be coming into focus and it may not be what the heavyweight division was expecting. The unified champion has not fought since July 2024, when he stopped Daniel Dubois in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium to regain undisputed status for a second time. Although Usyk later vacated the WBO title rather than face mandatory challenger Fabio Wardley, he still holds the WBC, WBA and IBF belts.
For a time, a clash with Deontay Wilder looked likely after both fighters publicly expressed interest. That option faded when Wilder committed to an April bout with Derek Chisora, leaving Usyk without a clear opponent and fuelling speculation about alternative opponents.
Still speculation took an unexpected turn this week. Speaking to Seconds Out, Frank Warren appeared to suggest that Usyk is lining up a crossover bout rather than a traditional heavyweight defence. When asked about rumours involving kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven, Warren said: “He’s going to have a fight against an MMA fighter, so he may not fight or defend his titles by the end of the year.”
Warren’s comments also hinted at growing frustration among contenders waiting for title opportunities. With several mandatories and top heavyweights under his promotional banner, delays at the top of the division could have ripple effects. “All of these mandatories, and most of the guys are with us, they’re not going to sit around waiting,” Warren added, underlining the tension created by Usyk’s potential detour.
Verhoeven had previously been linked to a possible bout with Anthony Joshua, but a fight with Usyk would represent a far more dramatic and unexpected crossover. While no official announcement has been made and details remain unclear, Warren’s remarks strongly suggest that Usyk’s next appearance may come outside the usual boundaries of heavyweight title boxing.
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