‘We don’t build our plans around one name’: Oleksandr Usyk’s team weighs options for next fight

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Oleksandr Usyk speaks to the media ahead of his Heavyweight fight against Rico Verhoeven during the Glory In Giza launch press conference at The Pelligon on April 14, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) | Getty Images

There’s been a lot of talk and speculation as to the future plans of heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, who is currently schedule to take on kickboxer Rico Vanhoeven in a couple of weeks in front of the Egyptian pyramids. While it’s known that Usyk will be ordered to make a WBC mandatory title defense after this outing, it’s uncertain as to whether or not he’ll oblige or rather simply drop that belt altogether and look elsewhere.

Elsewhere could potentially be someone like Fabio Wardley, who is defending his WBO heavyweight belt against Daniel Dubois this weekend. But if Wardley wants a chance at Usyk, an executive for Usyk’s promotional company Sergey Lapin tells Sky Sports that he’ll have to earn it.

“If Fabio Wardley proves himself at the highest level, he can definitely become part of that conversation,” Lapin said.

Lapin would continue on by saying that Usyk is motivated by the chance to become a three-time undisputed champion by completely re-unifying the heavyweight belts, but that their side isn’t going to pigeonhole themselves into any one particular course of action.