Why is Usyk Holding Up the Heavyweight Division? 0 118

In the rematch, he once again knocked out the British fighter Daniel Dubois and reclaimed the missing IBF belt, which he had previously left vacant for the rematch with Tyson Fury. Right after the second fight with Dubois, Oleksandr stated in the ring that he is still quite young.

"38 is a young guy, remember! 38 is just the beginning. Maybe Tyson Fury? Maybe. We have three options: Derek Chisora, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua. Or maybe Joseph Parker? Listen, I can't say right now. Because I want to go home," Usyk said after the fight, hinting that he does not plan to retire and even outlined a circle of contenders. However, he mentioned that he needs a break.

In the last two years, Oleksandr has had four fights - twice each with Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois. Essentially, the rest of the "royal" division is in waiting. New contenders have emerged, as well as interim world champions. However, Usyk, apparently, is in no hurry - there are currently no negotiations regarding his next fight. The Ukrainian only talks about a potential fight with Jake Paul, but under MMA rules.

At the same time, Usyk is not vacating his championship belts. Interestingly, Usyk requested to postpone negotiations for a fight with Joseph Parker, citing a back injury. Later, this put him in an awkward situation: Oleksandr posted a video on social media where he is actively dancing. This video prompted the WBO to investigate: the organization doubted the existence of an injury and requested medical documents from him to justify the delay.

Later, Usyk was spotted at a football match. And not as a spectator, but as a player (in mid-September, he participated in a charity match between the legends of Portugal and a world team, for which he actually played as the absolute world champion).

There is a feeling that Usyk does not need fights with either Parker or other contenders. He is waiting for a big fight, for example, with Tyson Fury, who even announced their third bout for spring 2026, or with Jake Paul. The Ukrainian has nothing to gain by risking fights with young and hungry contenders.

But the problem is that the belts are still with Usyk, and the entire division is forced to stand by in anticipation. Parker is about to have his second defense of the interim belt - agree that this shouldn't be the case?

In any case, the patience of the leading world organizations is not eternal, and in the near future, the champion will face a choice - either vacate the belts or agree to a defense.