“If Not Fury, Then Who? Usyk’s Potential Opponents Revealed”
Excluding Tyson Fury Rematch, 3 Potential Opponents Oleksandr Usyk Can Fight Next
Oleksandr Usyk’s remarkable victory over Tyson Fury on May 18 crowned him the first undisputed heavyweight champion in nearly 25 years. The bout, filled with thrilling action and controversial decisions, left fans clamoring for a rematch. However, if Fury decides against a second showdown, Usyk will need to seek new challenges to maintain his reign. Three potential opponents stand out: Joseph Parker, Agit Kabayel, and the winner of the upcoming Filip Hrgovic vs. Daniel Dubois fight.
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Joseph Parker: The Fight That Makes Sense
Joseph Parker has seen a resurgence in his career, making a strong case for a shot at Usyk. After many had written him off following a loss to Joe Joyce, Parker bounced back impressively. His victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang showcased his ability to compete at the highest level. The 32-year-old New Zealander’s quick movements and fast hands mirror Usyk’s own style, making this a compelling matchup.
Parker’s rise back to prominence, coupled with his WBO interim title, positions him well for a title shot. Additionally, the personal angle adds intrigue—Parker is a friend and training partner of Tyson Fury. Fans might see this as a chance for Parker to avenge Fury’s loss, adding a layer of drama and potential business success to the fight. However, Parker’s rematch clause with Zhang could delay this bout, making the timing uncertain.
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Agit Kabayel: The WBC Conundrum
Agit Kabayel put on a masterful display in his recent fight against Frank Sanchez, securing a decisive victory in the WBC heavyweight eliminator. Kabayel’s relentless pressure and powerful punches twice floored Sanchez, marking him as a formidable contender. This win positioned Kabayel as a top challenger for Usyk’s WBC title.
Kabayel’s unblemished 25-0 record makes him an attractive opponent for Usyk, who might relish the opportunity to end another undefeated streak. The contrast between Kabayel’s aggressive, power-punching style and Usyk’s technical precision promises an exciting clash. Fans would be thrilled to see these two go head-to-head, but the question remains whether Usyk will prioritize a WBC title defense or seek to maintain his undisputed status by pursuing other fights.
Keeping the Undisputed Crown Intact: Filip Hrgovic vs. Daniel Dubois Winner
The looming question of Usyk’s IBF title defense adds another layer of complexity to his next move. If Usyk fails to meet the IBF mandatory requirement, he risks being stripped of the title. This scenario would be influenced by the outcome of the June 1 bout between Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois, which could determine Usyk’s next mandatory challenger.
Hrgovic, the current #1 IBF heavyweight contender, is seen as a rising star in the division. Meanwhile, Dubois, with a 22-0 record, seeks redemption after a controversial loss to Usyk last August, which ended with a 9th-round knockout. A rematch with Dubois, who feels he was wronged in their previous encounter, would carry significant narrative weight and fan interest.
As the newly crowned undisputed heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk faces critical decisions about his next steps. Whether he defends his title against Joseph Parker, Agit Kabayel, or the winner of Hrgovic vs. Dubois, each potential matchup offers unique challenges and storylines. The boxing world eagerly awaits Usyk’s next move, which will shape the future of the heavyweight division and potentially deliver another historic fight.
