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oleksandr usykSergey Lapin’s advisor, Sergei Lapin, has revealed that the Ukrainian hopes to return to the ring in the first half of 2026 to defend his undisputed heavyweight title.
This comes shortly after Usyk claimed he plans to fight until he’s 41, and he’s reportedly targeting a fight against joseph parker Or fabio wardley next.
,[After the Daniel Dubois fight] He wouldn’t even commit about fighting another fight,” Mike Coppinger said Monday. inside the ring show. “But I talked to Usyk’s advisor Sergei Lapin, and he said he expects maybe five more fights from Usyk and he’s looking forward to the first half of 2026 against the winner of this Saturday’s fight between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley.”
Usyk was initially ordered to negotiate an undisputed title defense against Joseph Parker in July, but received a 90-day extension due to a back injury suffered during a fight with Daniel Dubois.
Parker has chosen to be proactive and will defend himself wbo Interim title and mandatory challenger status against WBA interim champion Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena on Saturday.
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Parker is on the run for his life after being beaten xilei zhang, deontay wilder And Martin Bakole Positioning itself as the inevitable challenger.
Wardley is coming off a dramatic win over Justice Heuni in June, and is hoping to win a world title if he can knock off Parker despite his lack of world level experience.
Tyson Fury has been vocal about coming back for a trilogy fight with Usyk in 2024 despite losing both fights, but Lapin said he doesn’t see why anyone would want to see that fight happen.
“Theoretically, it’s an interesting option, but for whom?” Lapin asked ring“If boxing fans really support it, then maybe. However, in my opinion, that chapter is closed.”
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The second option is the heir apparent to the heavyweight crown, Moses will be sadTürkiye Alalshikh has expressed interest in connecting with Usik. But Lapin insists Itauma is not at the level required to face the undisputed champion.
“Itauma still needs a serious test before facing a giant,” Lapin said. “Have we seen him go the full 12-round distance? Has he been in dangerous situations in the ring? My answer is no. At this level, he doesn’t have the tools to beat Usyk.”
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Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley fight to become the WBO mandatory challengers to Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday, October 25. Watch the fights and undercard live and exclusive on DAZN PPV.