Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed he’ll fight on for “three more years” — meaning the reigning heavyweight king could remain at the top until age 41. The undisputed champion revealed his plans on his Ready to Fight platform, vowing to keep boxing until his body — or the mandatory queue — says otherwise.
“I’ll fight until I’m 41,” Usyk told his Ready to Fight venture alongside Sergey Lapin. “Then I’ll build a sports academy. I’ll train there and train others.”
The Ukrainian maestro, who dethroned Tyson Fury last year and repeated the feat in December 2025, appears set for another mandatory merry-go-round that could define the remainder of his career.
Usyk’s Next Move
“I can’t say who exactly because negotiations are ongoing,” Usyk admitted. “I’d like to make something up for you right now.”
With the sanctioning bodies circling, Usyk’s next four fights will likely come from a pool of six contenders outlined by World Boxing News. They are Joseph Parker, Fabio Wardley (depending on who wins their bout), Agit Kabayel, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and rising phenom Moses Itauma.
The Mandatory Chaos
Each presents a different kind of challenge. Kabayel, as the WBC’s mandatory, is a logical step for late 2026 or early 2027. Fury, of course, is pushing hard for the trilogy — desperate to regain the prestige he lost in Riyadh. Parker continues his late-career surge, and Wardley’s stock is rising. The winner of their October 25 clash will be first in line, potentially for a spot in the spring of next year in Saudi Arabia.
Finally, Wilder could still earn redemption if his comeback momentum holds, and he defeats a top name by the time Usyk completes the first stipulated title defense.
Then there’s Itauma — the 20-year-old prodigy already linked to a “passing of the torch” bout that Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh is said to want before Usyk hangs up the gloves.
“He Doesn’t Hit Grandpas!”
Usyk laughed off talk of facing Itauma anytime soon, though he didn’t completely rule it out.
“No, I won’t fight Itauma [in the next fight]. He’s young — always teasing me,” Usyk joked. “And he said himself he doesn’t hit grandpas!”
The coming years could see Usyk move through a mix of mandatories, mega-fights, and legacy bouts — perhaps ending with one final Riyadh blockbuster before his planned retirement.
“Next year,” Usyk added, “and, God willing, I’ll win.”
For boxing fans, that means three more years of brilliance, chaos, and unpredictability — all led by the sport’s most disciplined “grandpa.”
Usyk’s Possible Finale
Spring 2026 | Parker or Wardley
Fall 2026 | Wilder or Fury
Early 2027 | Kabayel
Final bout in late 2027 | Itauma
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights.
[View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.