Oleksandr Usyk may not need a comeback bout before challenging for a world heavyweight title again. The undefeated Ukrainian relinquished his undisputed heavyweight championship and is not anticipated to return to the ring until 2027, but promoter Frank Warren has indicated that a title shot could be arranged immediately upon his return.
According to Sky Sports, Warren promotes several heavyweight champions and has suggested multiple pathways for Usyk's next fight if the Ukrainian decides on what he has called a 'last dance' bout.
Warren's stable includes WBC champion Agit Kabayel, WBO titlist Daniel Dubois and Tyson Fury, who stands to capture the WBA 'super' belt should he defeat Anthony Joshua in December. Usyk has previously beaten both Fury and Dubois, meaning a trilogy with either fighter remains a possibility, though a fresh challenge against Kabayel for the WBC crown at a German stadium could also appeal to the former champion.
"I'll take that fight [for Kabayel], I wouldn't mind that fight," Warren told Sky Sports. "Any of them. There are some great fights to be made and we'll make them."
Warren emphasised Usyk's freedom to choose his opponent while making clear that his promotional company stands ready to facilitate negotiations.
"He can do what he likes, 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. He'll want to be at the top so he'll want to fight the best ones so let's see who it is."
The heavyweight landscape has shifted considerably since Usyk vacated his belts. Frank Warren has indicated his 2027 plan is to pursue heavyweight unification fights and attempt to bring Usyk back into the mix, suggesting the promoter sees significant commercial potential in matching the Ukrainian against his stable of champions.
Dubois has suffered defeats to Usyk on both previous occasions they have met, yet the WBO champion has demonstrated a dramatic resurgence by defeating Fabio Wardley in a thrilling contest to claim the title. Dubois now faces Wardley again in a rematch at The O2 Arena in London, with victory essential to his ambitions of establishing himself as the division's leading heavyweight in 2027.
Dubois has already targeted a future heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury after his October 17 WBO title rematch against Wardley, indicating the British heavyweight landscape continues to evolve rapidly.
Dubois' trainer Don Charles stressed the significance of the upcoming rematch and refused to overlook Wardley's threat.
"That's the aim, that's our objective. It would be foolish of me to overlook Saturday. Fabio's a serious, serious fighter. A very determined fighter. He's ambitious, quite rightly so and he's a former world champion. 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."
Meanwhile, reports suggest Usyk's proposed comeback fight has encountered obstacles. Usyk's proposed fight with Deontay Wilder has reportedly fallen through after Zuffa Boxing declined to meet Usyk's asking price, derailing what had been targeted as a March 2027 farewell bout. Usyk is reportedly considering Tyson Fury for a trilogy and David Benavidez as possible opponents, though neither fight has been confirmed.
What happens next
Dubois and Wardley are scheduled to meet in their WBO title rematch at London's O2 Arena on October 17, 2026, with ring walks expected after 22:30 BST. Fury and Joshua are scheduled to fight for the WBA world heavyweight championship on December 11 at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, a bout that will reshape the heavyweight title picture heading into 2027 and potentially determine Usyk's next opponent.
