Last Updated on May 21, 2024 by grubdunkman

What’s Next In the Heavyweight Division?

Immediately after the Usyk Fury bout in Riyadh on May 18, 2024, between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight championship (WBC, WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring title), where the Usyk won by a split decision, there were many speculations about possible future fights, both involving the aforementioned athletes and a list of other heavyweights who deserve their chance to compete for the titles. Let’s consider possible scenarios and prospects for future bouts including Usyk Fury rematch.

Usyk Fury Rematch Prospects

Many believe that at this point in the sport, Oleksandr Usyk has nothing left to prove. An Olympic champion. The undisputed champion in two weight categories with no losses. He is 37 years old and can already be safely classified as a legend and one of the best of all time. A legacy that shapes boxing as a whole. Therefore, it would be logical to end his career at the peak of his achievements. Few train as hard and with as much dedication and discipline as Usyk. Thus, it’s hard to imagine him approaching fights with less commitment, which in turn requires both time and effort.

However, one must consider Usyk’s current condition, as he is in excellent shape, which is a significant plus for the possibility of a few more fights, motivated by the financial aspect of the sport. Without a doubt, his appearance in the ring will generate substantial sums. Immediately after the fight on May 18, still in the ring, Usyk agreed to a rematch with Fury.

Many questions remain about Fury himself. We have already seen several postponements of the bout, and no one can guarantee his mental state. The example of a motivation in the form of a $10 million fine for violating the fight’s regulations, its postponement, or cancellation, introduced by the organizers in Riyadh, partially guarantees the schedule’s maintenance, but questions will arise.

In summary, the option of a rematch is considered a priority and is the most likely next bout. Everything depends on Fury’s team and the Gypsy King himself. The rematch will be the most profitable fight in Usyk’s career, and given his condition, discipline, and habits, there is little sense in refusing this fight. For Tyson Fury, it’s another chance to shape his legacy, and of course, money is also a motivation. In this fight, he will already be in the position of a contender and will earn less than Usyk, but it will still be a significant amount.

The question is whether Fury believes in his potential victory in the rematch, will make quality changes in his preparation, and how he will undergo rehabilitation after the fight on May 18. Therefore, it is too early to say anything, but at the same time, a rematch is very likely.

Filip Hrgović And Daniel Dubois

Filip Hrgović gained contender status through the IBF by defeating Zhilei Zhang. The Croatian, with zero losses, will face Daniel Dubois on June 1. The IBF has ruled that if the undisputed championship status remains, the winner of Hrgović should fight Usyk. If not, the title becomes vacant. If Fury does not agree to a rematch, Filip Hrgović is next in line. Daniel Dubois also has a chance to fight Usyk, which would be a rematch for him. The previous Usyk-Dubois fight in Poland ended with a victory for the Ukrainian.

Anthony Joshua

After two losses to Usyk, Joshua has had a few confident fights and is in excellent shape. There are rumors that the most likely opponent for the winner of the Hrgović-Dubois pair will be Anthony Joshua, with a date reserved at Wembley Stadium in London on September 20 or 21. Even now, he is one of the main names in boxing. The path his team is building, with the activity of all the above-mentioned athletes, ultimately leads to Usyk. Possibly as a contender, or possibly as the IBF champion.

Joseph Parker

In the WBO rankings, after victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, Joseph Parker is the second contender for a fight with Usyk. If the IBF vacates its title (which is very likely), he will become the number one contender, and the WBO will obligate Usyk to fight Parker.

Other scenarios are possible, but leaning towards the most realistic ones, we have Usyk-Fury rematch (without the IBF title, plus a possible trilogy if Fury wins), Hrgović-Dubois, the winner of this pair will fight Anthony Joshua, and the winner of that pair will fight Usyk. And Joseph Parker, who is a potential next contender for a fight with the winner of the Usyk-Fury rematch.

Overall, we expect many exciting events, and even with changing names, all potential fights in the division are worth attention.