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Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk look on as Olympic gold

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Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk look on as Olympic gold medalist Oleksandr Khyzhniak delivers a first-round knockout in his pro debut

Anthony Joshua: The well-schooled Ukrainian enjoyed a decorated amateur career, culminating in gold medals at the World Championships, European Championships and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

His credentials were on full display as he blew away Colombian journeyman Wilmer Baron (8-14-1) inside the opening stanza of a light heavyweight bout scheduled for six rounds in Lesniki, Ukraine.

Khyzhniak established his lead hand early and sent Baron tumbling to the canvas with a ram-rodding jab halfway through the round.

Baron made his way back to his feet, but Khyzhniak was all over him like a rash.

With 15 seconds left in the round, Khyzhniak landed a chopping right hand to close the show as Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk watched on with delight from ringside.

It was a successful night for Usyk, who staged his first professional boxing show since the Russian invasion of his homeland.

READ MORE :Anthony Joshua Plots July Return on the Horizon But No

His training partner, Daniel Lapin, also got a first-round finish in the main event against Latvia’s Kristaps Bulmeistars.

Joshua accompanied Usyk to the event after touching down in Ukraine earlier this week to start camp for his looming comeback fight.

At the back end of last year, AJ left Ben Davison to work with Iegor Golub and Team Usyk for his crossover clash with Jake Paul.

Joshua knocked out Paul in the sixth round and was expected to return to the ring in February.

Anthony Joshua

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BOXING

“Older men can’t compete with younger ones” Usyk addresses

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Oleksandr Usyk

“Older men can’t compete with younger ones” Usyk addresses retirement plans

Unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has opened up on his retirement plans, revealing that he has a ‘clear date’ in his mind for when he will hang up the gloves and hand over the baton as the best heavyweight on the planet.

Usyk is one of three fighters to have claimed the undisputed title in multiple weight divisions during the four-belt era and just the second fighter in the entirety of boxing history to have held the undisputed title at cruiserweight and heavyweight, after Evander Holyfield.

However, despite being cemented as one of the greatest heavyweights of the modern era, 39-year-old Usyk continues to fight on, expected to next face either Deontay Wilder or Rico Verhoeven, before he is mandated to take on Germany’s Agit Kabayel.

READ MORE : Anthony Joshua Plots July Return on the Horizon But No

Although, speaking with Usyk 17 Promotions, the Ukrainian superstar revealed that he already has a date in his mind for when he will retire.

Anthony Joshua

“There is a clear date when I will tell people, ‘thank you, an older fighter can’t compete with a younger one, not physically, not in speed’. You have to understand, you’ve walked your path and now it’s the era of the younger guys.

“Whoever among them proves to be the strongest – in discipline, in the work that they put in, in patience, with the guts, that is the one [who will succeed me], that we will see with their hand raised and we will help them achieve this.”

Usyk has previously stated that he will retire at the age of 41 years old, meaning that the undefeated technician likely has two or three fights left before he walks away for good

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BOXING

Fight Him or Lose It All: Oleksandr Usyk Given Final

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Oleksandr Usyk

Fight Him or Lose It All: Oleksandr Usyk Given Final Warning Over Mandatory Challenger

Oleksandr Usyk may be stripped of one of his heavyweight world titles if he does not fight the WBC number one contender following his next fight.

Usyk defeated Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight ruler back in July, but he opted to vacate the WBO crown in November, rather than face Ipswich fan-favourite Fabio Wardley.

Now, the unified champion has being linked to fights against Deontay Wilder, Andy Ruiz Jr. and Rico Verhoeven, ahead of an anticipated return to action in the summer, in a voluntary defence of his three remaining belts.

The WBC has granted this defence, but has in order in place that states Usyk takes on Germany’s Agit Kabayel, who has held the Interim title since last February, in the fight that follows.

In an interview with Chris Mannix, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman detailed the above.

Now, the unified champion has being linked to fights against Deontay Wilder, Andy Ruiz Jr. and Rico Verhoeven, ahead of an anticipated return to action in the summer, in a voluntary defence of his three remaining belts.

READ MORE : Oleksandr Usyk Conquers Heavyweight Division – But One

The WBC has granted this defence, but has in order in place that states Usyk takes on Germany’s Agit Kabayel, who has held the Interim title since last February, in the fight that follows.

In an interview with Chris Mannix, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman detailed the above.

Oleksandr Usyk

“We are giving him a voluntary defence, he can select the best fight for him and the industry and then he will fight the Interim champion, Kabayel.”

“Usyk requested a voluntary title defence, which was granted, and Kabayel had the title defence [against Damian Knyba], he can do another fight if he likes or just wait until Usyk fights and then we will order the mandatory fight.”

Following a successful stadium event in Germany last month, Kabayel is expected to fight on home soil once again in May, as he maintains activity ahead of a long-awaited shot at the heavyweight throne. Usyk’s team have said the fight is a possibility, particularly given Kabayel’s drawing power in his home country.

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BOXING

After Major Approval, WBC Puts Oleksandr Usyk on

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Oleksandr Usyk

After Major Approval, WBC Puts Oleksandr Usyk on Notice With Shock World Title Ultimatum

We don’t know who Oleksandr Usyk is set to face next, but we do know who he will be ordered to box afterwards.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has confirmed that the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight champion must defend his belts against interim title holder Agit Kabayel following a voluntary defence.

Usyk hasn’t set foot in the ring since his five-round demolition job of Daniel Dubois in July to unify the division.

The Ukrainian didn’t retain his undisputed status for long, as he was stripped of his WBO belt within two months of winning it, after rejecting a mandatory defence against Fabio Wardley.

Usyk did so with the knowledge that he would be facing Deontay Wilder next.

The WBA, WBC and IBF all cleared the path for the bout to take place by granting Usyk a voluntary defence.

However, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ has elected to box Derek Chisora instead, leaving Usyk out in the cold.

Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr and kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven have been floated around as potential dance partners for ‘The Cat’, while a long-awaited date with Kabayel looms.

READ MORE :Anthony Joshua’s Comeback Nears, but Eddie Hearn Issues

“Kabayel was not available because he had a fight scheduled in January,” Sulaiman told Chris Mannix.

“So [Usyk] requested a voluntary title defence, which is very customary.

“He was given that opportunity, and he must fight the interim champion next. That’s the ruling.”

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BOXING

Oleksandr Usyk Conquers Heavyweight Division – But One

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Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk Conquers Heavyweight Division – But One Chapter Remains Unfinished

Oleksandr Usyk has conquered almost every major heavyweight stage available to him, yet one chapter of his remarkable career still feels unfinished.

Despite becoming the undisputed king of the division, only three of Usyk’s 24 professional bouts have taken place on American soil. For a fighter who has already unified titles across continents, the United States remains a frontier he is determined to return to — not for nostalgia, but for legacy.

“I want to box in America,” Usyk said, making it clear that the motivation goes beyond geography. The U.S. represents boxing’s historic proving ground, a place where legends are made and reputations are cemented. For Usyk, another American appearance would be a statement that his reign belongs on the sport’s biggest stage.

And if Usyk gets his wish, he already knows exactly who he wants standing across the ring.

After dismantling Anthony Joshua twice and handing Tyson Fury two defining defeats, Usyk believes only one name remains unfinished business among the heavyweight era’s elite: Deontay Wilder.

Wilder, the former WBC champion and one of the most destructive punchers boxing has seen in decades, has been a constant presence at the top of the heavyweight division for nearly ten years. While his career has been marked by dramatic highs and brutal setbacks, his reputation as a fight-ending threat has never faded.

READ MORE : Saudi Bout 2026: Anthony Joshua Has Been Approached for a

“For sporting interest, this is the fight,” Usyk explained. “In the ‘big three,’ there were Joshua, Fury, and Wilder. I beat Joshua twice. I beat Fury twice. One unbeaten one remains — Wilder.”

Anthony Joshua

The statement cuts to the heart of Usyk’s ambition. This is not about belts, money, or hype. It is about completing the picture. Beating Wilder would give Usyk something no other heavyweight of this era can claim: victories over all three defining figures of a generation.

Stylistically, the matchup promises intrigue. Usyk’s relentless footwork, ring IQ, and precision would be tested against Wilder’s raw power — the kind capable of ending fights in a single moment. It is a classic clash of control versus chaos, skill versus destruction, and one that feels tailor-made for an American arena.

As Usyk’s career edges closer to its final chapters, each remaining decision carries added weight. A return to the U.S. against Wilder would not just be another title defense or marquee bout. It would be a legacy fight — a chance to close the era on his own terms and leave no doubts about his place among heavyweight history.

For Oleksandr Usyk, the mission is clear: one country, one opponent, and one final statement still to be made.

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BOXING

“I heard the pain, but also the fight” – Usyk opens up on

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Oleksandr Usyk

“I heard the pain, but also the fight” – Usyk opens up on Joshua’s future after tragic car crash

Oleksandr Usyk says a conversation he has had with Anthony Joshua since the Brit survived a fatal car crash in Nigeria has convinced him that his heavyweight rival has “a desire to continue” fighting.

Joshua’s close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, died last month in the crash. Joshua was also in the car and required hospital treatment for minor injuries before returning to the UK.

The incident came little more than a week after Joshua had beaten Jake Paul in Miami, and it remains to be seen whether the 36-year-old will want to continue his professional career.

Usyk beat Joshua in heavyweight title fights in 2021 and 2022, but the pair appear to have developed a strong mutual respect, which saw the Brit train with the Ukrainian’s camp earlier this year.

READ MORE : Anthony Joshua at the Crossroads – The Defining

“I’ve already spoken with him,” Usyk said in an interview with Ready To Fight. “I heard a desire to continue in his voice – for the friends he lost and for the chance to live that the Lord gave him.

Anthony Joshua

“Once I spoke with the mother of my fallen comrade, and she told me: ‘Oleksandr, he would be very proud that you are continuing your work; he will watch you from heaven.’

“And he, I think, does that. And not just him, but all my loved ones who passed away defending our country. They are my guardian angels who help me in the ring.”
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BOXING

He Could Change Boxing Forever – Oleksandr Usyk has

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He Could Change Boxing Forever – Oleksandr Usyk has emerged as a prime target for Ed Pereira, CEO of the newly formed boxing events company

Oleksandr Usyk has emerged as a prime target for Ed Pereira, CEO of the newly formed boxing events company iV Boxing (iVB), which is planning a series of ambitious shows this year aimed at turning elite fighters into global household names.

Pereira announced on Friday that iVB’s events will be streamed live on YouTube, with several cards open to the public at little or no cost. One of the headline plans is a major outdoor boxing event scheduled for July 11 in San Francisco, where organisers hope to attract a record-breaking crowd of more than 136,000 fans.

No bouts have yet been confirmed for any iVB events, though the cards are expected to feature top-level fighters signed to a range of promoters. Among the names iVB is keen to showcase is Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs), the reigning heavyweight king and ESPN’s current pound-for-pound No. 1.

The Ukrainian star is being considered either for the San Francisco event in July or for a separate iVB show in Las Vegas in April, with the date still to be finalised.

READ MORE : Anthony Joshua at the Crossroads – The Defining

Usyk, who turns 39 on January 17, currently holds the WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles. He vacated the WBO belt earlier this year, leading to England’s Fabio Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) being elevated to full champion.

The unified champion has not fought since stopping Daniel Dubois in five rounds last July and has recently been linked to a new promotional agreement ahead of a potential clash with former WBC titleholder Deontay Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs).

Anthony Joshua

Reflecting on boxing’s past stature, Pereira explained his vision to ESPN.

“Many years ago, boxing was the biggest sport in the world,” Pereira said. “Boxers were earning more than Babe Ruth, and the heavyweight champion was seen as the king of the world. We want to bring that feeling back, where everyone knows who the heavyweight champion is.”

“There was a time when you could stop a granny in Bolton or someone in Washington, D.C., and they’d know the heavyweight champion’s name. Today, most people can’t tell you, even though Usyk is a generational great. That’s a shame.”

RELATED NEWS : Oleksandr Usyk Targeted by Champion He Once Handed a

iVB has previously been involved in organising high-profile events, including last year’s Times Square card in New York featuring Teofimo Lopez, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney in separate bouts. The company now has its sights set on breaking boxing’s all-time attendance record.

The current gate record stands at 135,132 spectators, set in 1941 when Tony Zale faced Billy Pryor at Juneau Park in Milwaukee. Pereira believes the July 11 event could surpass that figure.

Plans call for a large section of San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza to be closed, with the ring positioned directly in front of City Hall — a setting Pereira describes as “a seminal moment” for the sport.

Oleksandr Usyk

To reach its ambitious target of up to 200,000 attendees, Pereira acknowledges that the card will need to feature one of the biggest fights of the year.

“We’re prepared to make the biggest fights and pay fairly for them,” Pereira said. “Anyone who fights on that San Francisco card will become a world record holder.”

“We’re currently working with multiple promoters, but we’re not ready to announce the fighters yet. The goal is to make the event affordable — or free — for the public. Most fans will be able to attend at no cost, and breaking the attendance record is the challenge we’re determined to meet.”

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BOXING

Eddie Hearn Questions Dana White’s Boxing Strategy: ‘You

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Eddie Hearn

Eddie Hearn Questions Dana white’s Boxing Strategy: ‘You Need to Make a Strong Impact from the Start

Eddie Hearn says Dana White and Zuffa Boxing won’t dominate the sport, warning their January 23 debut must be strong or risk failure.

TLDR

  • Eddie Hearn said Dana White and Zuffa won’t dominate boxing despite their confidence
  • Hearn questioned how impressive Zuffa Boxing’s January 23 debut can be with only four weeks to prepare
  • The Matchroom promoter warned that launching with a poor show would be the worst outcome
  • Hearn said he welcomes the competition even though he doubts their ability to succeed
  • Top Rank Boxing recently lost its ESPN broadcast deal as the industry shifts to streaming

Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has publicly questioned whether UFC CEO Dana White and Zuffa can succeed in their plan to break into professional boxing.

READ MORE : “It Won’t Go Long” Only One Outcome Seen in Anthony Joshua vs

Hearn made his comments on “The Ariel Helwani Show” after promoting Anthony Joshua’s knockout victory over Jake Paul. He said White and TKO are not going to dominate boxing despite their confidence.

“They are very bullish, like me,” Hearn said. “They’re arrogant and they think they’re going to come in and dominate boxing.”

Anthony Joshua

January 23 Launch Date Raises Questions

Hearn expressed concern about Zuffa Boxing’s first show scheduled for January 23, which is less than a month away. He warned that the company needs to make a strong first impression.

“You’ve got to come out of the blocks with a bang, you can’t come out with something lame,” Hearn said. “What are you going to do, do a show in the Apex to launch TKO Boxing?”

The boxing promoter said the debut event needs to be “a monster” but questioned how impressive it could be with only four weeks of preparation remaining. He cautioned that launching with a poor show would be the worst possible outcome.

RELATED NEWS : Oleksandr Usyk Targeted by Champion He Once Handed a

“If they get it wrong and it stinks the place out in January? The worst thing they could do is come out with something poor,” Hearn said.

Hearn and White have been friendly in the past. However, their relationship has become more competitive as White attempts to expand into boxing promotion.

Hearn Welcomes Competition Despite Doubts

Despite his skepticism, Hearn said he welcomes having TKO and White as competitors in the boxing business. He said many people in boxing want them to fail, but he does not share that view.

Oleksandr Usyk

“These guys that we’re up against, I want to be up against them,” Hearn said. “So many people in boxing want them to fail and I don’t think they will fail.”

Hearn is one of boxing’s top promoters through his company Matchroom Boxing. White has built the UFC into the world’s leading mixed martial arts organization as its CEO.

The boxing industry has undergone major changes recently. Top Rank Boxing recently lost its broadcast deal with ESPN, which many consider the end of an era in the sport.

ESPN continues to work with Top Rank through other platforms. Some observers believe a new broadcast deal could eventually be reached between the two companies.

All major boxing promotions have shifted to streaming deals in recent years. This has changed how fans watch fights and how promoters distribute their content.

Zuffa Boxing’s first show is scheduled for January 23, less than four weeks away.

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Oleksandr Usyk Targeted by Champion He Once Handed a

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Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk Targeted by Champion He Once Handed a Title Belt After Devastating Knockouta

Oleksandr Usyk’s manager recently gave an update on a possible fight with Deontay Wilder, which is reportedly being looked at for April or May.

The 38-year-old only fought once in 2025, picking up the IBF heavyweight title by stopping Daniel Dubois in the fifth round to add to his collection of belts.

Wilder believes he has the right tools to trouble Usyk, but it’s not a matchup that has generated much excitement among fans.

One fighter who has been impressive recently is hoping to disrupt those plans after another knockout win.

It was a night of questionable stoppages in Germany, and the main event was no exception.

Undefeated Damian Knyba faced a tough challenge as he looked to take the interim WBC heavyweight title from Agit Kabayel on the champion’s home soil.

READ MORE :‘Two or Three More Fights and Then I’ll Walk Away’ Oleksandr

The challenger started well and managed to cut Kabayel above the right eye, but it didn’t take long for the pressure from the titleholder to take over.

Kabayel landed several heavy shots in the third round before the referee stepped in. The decision split opinion, with some fans celebrating while others felt it was stopped too soon.

The German fighter is now riding a six-fight knockout streak, with wins over names like Zhilei Zhang and Frank Sanchez adding weight to his record.

After his latest win, Kabayel used his post-fight interview to push for a unification bout with Oleksandr Usyk.

He claimed: “I waited so long for this title opportunity, I beat three monsters in the Riyadh Season. Give me the world title fight. I’m ready.”

Oleksandr Usyk

Kabayel claimed the interim WBC heavyweight title after stopping Zhang, and it was Usyk who handed him the belt in a show of respect.

Kabayel later told Dev Sahni that he felt Usyk might not have expected their paths to cross inside the ring when he did it.

The interim champion also suggested that the Ukrainian star may have overlooked the potential of the German boxing market, something he believes he is starting to change.

Reflecting on that moment in the ring, Kabayel commented: “This is nice but I want your belt.”

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Explosive Heavyweight Duo Earn Contract Extension as Pressure

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Oleksandr Usyk

Explosive Heavyweight Duo Earn Contract Extension as Pressure Mounts on Oleksandr Usyk’s Title Reign

Oleksandr Usyk: Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez have been handed an extension to seal a deal for an IBF heavyweight final eliminator after purse bids were postponed on Tuesday.

The pair are close to securing a bout between them that could have major reprecussions for the rest of the glamour division heading into the rest of 2026 if confirmed.

Sanchez was ordered to contest an eliminator after victory over Ramon Olivas Echeverria in February last year, on the back of a first career loss against Agit Kabayel.

The Cuban has struggled to find an opponent for the contest however, with former champion Daniel Dubois among those to pass up the opportunity to take him on.

Filip Hrgovic and Efe Ajagba are other names who have skipped Sanchez, but the unbeaten Torrez – a silver-medal winner at Tokyo 2020 – now seems the favourite.

READ MORE :‘Two or Three More Fights and Then I’ll Walk Away’ Oleksandr

Any such clash would mark a major moment for both men, and theoretically push the winner into chief consideration to challenge current IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk.

The unified division favourite is seeking a bout with Deontay Wilder, with the American – save Joseph Parker – arguably the last major foe of his generation left to face.

Sanchez is currently ranked third by the IBF, while Torrez is fourth, with both men behind former challenger Derek Chisora, who is still chasing his supposed farewell bout.

Oleksandr Usyk

2026 is barely a week old, and already the usual merry-go-round of heavyweight politics seems set to throw a few more spanners into the plans of fighters and fans this year.

The IBF’s order to find a foe for Frank Sanchez seems to have finally delivered fruit, but the Cuban may find himself as the nominal outsider against a wily Richard Torrez too.

His comeback victory after a first career loss didn’t shed too much new light on the matter – but regardless who wins, both men seem likely at the mercy of bigger names.

Oleksandr Usyk seems set to face Deontay Wilder, while Fabio Wardley – the lone other champion in the division – has his pick of the bunch, from Tyson Fury to Derek Chisora.

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