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Oleksandr Usyk (left) is now a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion
Oleksandr Usyk solidified his status as the world’s premier heavyweight with a dominant five-round victory over Daniel Dubois on Saturday at Wembley.
Now a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, the question arises: who can pose a challenge to Usyk’s reign?
What fights are confirmed, and what other matchups are potentially on the horizon?
BBC Sport provides an analysis of the current heavyweight boxing landscape.
The next significant heavyweight contest features Moses Itauma facing off against Dillian Whyte on August 16 in Saudi Arabia.
This bout represents a substantial step up for Itauma as he takes on the former world title challenger, offering valuable insights into the 20-year-old touted as a future star.
The undercard includes Filip Hrgovic versus Briton David Adeleye. The victor could propel themselves into contention for major fights, with both fighters aiming to regain momentum after recent losses broke their undefeated streaks.
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Relive Usyk’s demolition of Dubois at Wembley
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Usyk nicknames punch that knocked out Dubois
Following his victory, Usyk mentioned several potential opponents, including Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Joseph Parker, and even Derek Chisora.
The 38-year-old could face any of these contenders or pursue a less expected path by inviting Fabio Wardley or the rising star Itauma to challenge him.
Ultimately, Usyk controls his destiny and often aligns with the public’s preferences.
Dubois, 27, faces a period of reflection after the third defeat of his career.
Both losses against Usyk were decisive, although thrilling, underscoring Dubois’s continued presence as a prominent entertainer in the heavyweight division.
Dubois has numerous options for his comeback, including a rematch with Joshua, or bouts against Itauma, Wardley, Chisora, Whyte, or even Fury.
He remains a top-tier heavyweight in the sport.
“Daniel will take a break and then needs to resurrect himself,” stated his promoter, Frank Warren.
“He must return and make a statement against a quality opponent, as he did previously. He’s still young.
“Resilience, desire, and learning from mistakes are key. Many fighters have rebounded from defeats.
“He possesses punching power, but needs to develop other aspects of his game.”
While Dubois is unlikely to overhaul his style, his raw power could potentially be enough to dominate the division once Usyk retires.
Speculation suggested Joshua and Fury would attend Usyk v Dubois, but neither was present at the event.
Joshua underwent elbow surgery earlier in the year and is not expected to fight before November at the earliest. He has expressed interest in discussions with Riyadh Season for a new fight deal and has prioritized a bout against Fury.
Fury is ostensibly retired but appears to be considering a comeback in 2026.
However, Fury, 36, has called out Usyk for his return, rather than the widely anticipated fight with Joshua.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, told BBC Sport: “Fury’s intentions are always unpredictable. With the world wanting to see AJ v Fury, he instead calls out Usyk.
“Both fighters are in similar positions, having each lost twice to Usyk. A third fight is not commercially appealing to investors or fans.
“While both may desire a third opportunity, AJ v Fury remains the biggest fight in boxing in terms of public interest.”
Deontay Wilder made a successful, albeit labored, return to the ring last month after nearly a year of inactivity.
He stopped relatively unknown Tyrrell Herndon, but his performance was far from his best and marked his first win since 2022.
Wilder labeled the fight a “new beginning” and, considering his star power and past achievements, could quickly re-enter the mix for major fights.
Wilder would be an appealing opponent for many, with Dave Allen already expressing interest. However, it remains to be seen whether the 39-year-old is interested in such matchups.
Furthermore, Frazer Clarke is expected to face Jeamie Tshikeva for the British heavyweight title in the near future after their fight was mandated.
Keep an eye on fighters such as 18-year-old Leo Atang and Solomon Dacres, who secured his 10th win on the Usyk v Dubois undercard, as they are expected to fight at least twice more this year.
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