Oleksandr Usyk could bypass a comeback bout and jump directly into a world championship fight upon his return to the ring, according to promoter Frank Warren. The unbeaten Ukrainian relinquished his undisputed heavyweight crown and is not anticipated to compete again until next year, but a high-profile title clash remains a realistic possibility if he chooses to pursue it.
According to Sky Sports, Warren has outlined several compelling options for Usyk's return, with multiple world champions under his promotional banner or representation.
Warren currently promotes WBC heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel and WBO titlist Daniel Dubois, whilst also representing Tyson Fury, who stands to capture the WBA 'super' belt should he defeat Anthony Joshua in December. Usyk has previously conquered both Fury and Dubois in the ring, though a trilogy encounter with either fighter could still develop into a blockbuster showdown.
A stadium bout against Kabayel for the WBC title in Germany represents another enticing avenue for the Ukrainian's comeback. However, the WBC has reportedly ordered Usyk to defend against Kabayel, with the Ukrainian risking forfeiture of the title should he decline.
Warren expressed his eagerness to facilitate such a clash.
I'll take that fight for Kabayel, I wouldn't mind that fight,he told Sky Sports.
Any of them. There are some great fights to be made and we'll make them.
The promoter emphasised Usyk's freedom to choose his opponent whilst stressing the accessibility of arranging a title fight through his organisation.
He can do what he likes,Warren said,
but if he wants to fight one of these guys, then come and see us. It's not hard for us to do. We've worked together on quite a few occasions now, we got on very well and we've delivered.
Warren concluded by highlighting the calibre of potential opponents awaiting Usyk.
He'll want to be at the top so he'll want to fight the best ones so let's see who it is.
Dubois eyes heavyweight supremacy
Dubois suffered defeats in both previous encounters against Usyk but has since demonstrated a dramatic resurgence. The British heavyweight claimed the WBO heavyweight title by defeating Fabio Wardley in a thrilling contest and now prepares to face his rival in a rematch at The O2 Arena in London on October 17, 2026.
Victory in that rematch would position Dubois as the leading heavyweight contender heading into 2027. Dubois has already targeted a future heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury following his October 17 WBO title rematch against Wardley, as the British heavyweight landscape continues to evolve.
Dubois' trainer Don Charles acknowledged the magnitude of the upcoming challenge whilst reaffirming his fighter's ambitions.
That's the aim, that's our objective,Charles told Sky Sports.
It would be foolish of me to overlook Saturday.
Charles outlined Wardley's credentials and determination to reclaim his former title.
Fabio's a serious, serious fighter. A very determined fighter. He's ambitious, quite rightly so and he's a former world champion.
The trainer stressed the necessity of denying Wardley's comeback bid.
He's going to do everything in his physical make up and desire to try and recapture his title and it's down to us say no you can't have it, we're having it for keeps.
The shifting heavyweight landscape
Usyk's departure from the heavyweight division has fragmented the title picture across multiple sanctioning bodies. Usyk's vacated heavyweight titles are now held by different champions: Murat Gassiev holds the WBA belt, Agit Kabayel the WBC, and Filip Hrgovic the IBF. This dispersal of belts has created numerous potential matchups and complicated the path to undisputed status.
The situation has generated controversy within the sport. Gassiev, who holds the WBA regular title, has questioned the sanctioning body's decision to elevate the Fury-Joshua bout to 'super' title status, having expected a mandatory shot at the vacant belt following Usyk's relinquishment.
Interest in heavyweight championship opportunities extends beyond the established contenders. Filip Hrgovic has expressed interest in fighting the winner of the Dubois-Wardley rematch, indicating that multiple fighters are positioning themselves for title opportunities in the coming months.
What happens next
Dubois' immediate focus remains the Wardley rematch at The O2 Arena on October 17, 2026, with the WBO heavyweight title on the line. The outcome of that contest will significantly influence the heavyweight landscape and determine whether Dubois can establish himself as a leading contender for 2027.
Fury and Joshua are scheduled to contest the WBA heavyweight championship on December 11 at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, a fight that will further reshape the title picture and potentially create additional opportunities for Usyk's return.
