Oleksandr Usyk faces questions about his next fight

Wilder Talk divided fans

Usyk has publicly expressed interest in fighting Deontay Wilder in 2026, provided the WBC approves a voluntary defense. This possibility has divided opinion.

Some fans see Wilder as a fading contender whose recent form does not warrant a title opportunity. Others argue that the fight still carries danger, even if they expect Usyk to take it the distance.

The skepticism isn’t about Usyk’s abilities. It’s a question of whether Wilder still has a place at this level. Many view the match as high-level defense rather than necessary defense.

As the discussion over Wilder continues, calls are growing for Usyk to face younger, in-form heavyweights.

Names like Agit Kabayel and Moses Itauma are being bandied about more frequently, with fans wondering why the division’s fighters stay on the outside looking in while the champion waits.

There is also lingering interest in a third fight with Tyson Fury, although fatigue has set in among fans who feel the rivalry is already settled.

The common thread is impatience. Usyk’s position is secure. The division around him is not.

Inactivity and blocked division

Usyk has not fought since his July 2025 knockout victory over Daniel Dubois. Since then, the heavyweight situation has drifted.

Usyk was not ordered to face a mandatory challenger. The titles remained undisputed. Sanctioning bodies have shown little urgency in imposing measures, even as parts of the belt structure remain unresolved.

This lack of movement began to reflect on the champion, rightly or not. Fans understand that Usyk is not in control of the entire system, but patience is wearing thin as months pass without clarity.

P4P status is not the real argument

Ring Magazine recently placed Usyk at No. 1 pound-for-pound following the retirement of Terence Crawford. Although some debate ensued, it remained muted compared to past ranking changes.

Most accept the logic. Usyk went uncontested twice and beat elite opposition in every division. The strongest objections tend to focus on the activity. Critics point out that he often fights once a year, which contrasts with more active champions like Naoya Inoue.

Yet even these arguments point to the same problem: waiting.

The question isn’t legacy – it’s timing

Usyk’s legacy is largely settled. Fans consider him the best heavyweight of his era. What remains up in the air is how the final phase of his career will play out.

Who he fights next will matter less for validation than momentum. The division is in limbo and the champion’s next move will determine whether he stays there.

Right now, the debate around Usyk isn’t about how good he is. This is about how long boxing is willing to wait before proving it again.