Oleksandr Usyk Targets First-Half 2026 Return; Parker–Wardley Winner Heads WBO Mandatory Queue

Reigning undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is eyeing a comeback in the first half of 2026, with the winner of Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley positioned as the frontrunner for his next defense, adviser Serhii Lapin told The Ring.

Without a doubt under the rotation for unified champions, the WBO mandatory is due next. The defense was ordered in July but postponed while Usyk recovered from a back injury. Saturday’s Parker–Wardley victor in London will be installed as the mandatory challenger for one of Usyk’s four sanctioning belts alongside The Ring championship.

Rehab on Track

Lapin says Usyk’s recovery is “going great” following a recent rehabilitation camp.

“He feels good and in excellent shape,” Lapin said.

Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs), 38, had flirted with the idea of stepping away after stopping Daniel Dubois again in July. But last week signaled plans to fight until age 41, potentially leaving five more bouts on the table.

Little Appetite for Fury III

Despite calls to stage a trilogy with Tyson Fury in 2026 after Usyk’s two victories in 2024, Lapin isn’t convinced.

“Theoretically, it’s an interesting option, but for whom? … In my opinion, that chapter is already closed.”

On Moses Itauma: “Not Yet”

Certainly Usyk appeared to dismiss a showdown with 20-year-old prodigy Moses Itauma. But Lapin clarified the door isn’t shut—just not now.

“He’s a promising fighter… But Itauma still needs a serious test before facing a legend. Has he gone 12 rounds? Been in real danger? At this stage, he doesn’t have the tools to beat Usyk.”

Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) is fresh off a first-round TKO of Dillian Whyte in August. But Team Usyk wants to see him against a legit top-10 heavyweight before entertaining that matchup.