Oleksandr Usyk, the unified heavyweight champion, is arguably probably the most skilful fighters. His legacy solely grows. As phrase spreads of his historic triumphs in opposition to Tyson Fury in 2024, the burning query has now begun circling. Who stands in opposition to Usyk in 2025?
From well-known fighters to new opponents, there’s a small collection of fighters that may fill this checklist. Followers and analysts are speculating in regards to the attainable matchups, and lots of are keen to put bets on these bouts. These can take a look at quick payout on-line on line casino websites for suggestions and extra handy betting. These casinos are identified for tremendous swift payout charges, which permit customers to reinvest or money out with none ready. With the rising craze of on-line betting, it’s necessary to decide on simply accessible choices so you may wager extra safely.
Oleksandr Usyk: Strongest Contestant for His Subsequent Combat
High Contenders for Oleksandr Usyk
Oleksandr Usyk is maybe probably the most difficult opponents to face in opposition to. Within the heavyweight division, he at the moment has one of many highest punch accuracy scores at a whopping 42%. To not point out, he’s additionally nimble and exhausting to hit. That mentioned there are fights left for the Ukrainian, and he not too long ago revealed that he has two fights left earlier than retirement.
Winner of Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker
Undoubtedly a battle that everybody would watch is Usyk vs. the winner of Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker, which might be for undisputed glory. The boxing world waited over 20 years to see an undisputed conflict at heavyweight and it was nicely well worth the wait with Usyk prevailing in opposition to Tyson Fury in a conflict stuffed with drama and intrigue. They confronted one another as soon as once more on December 21, 2024, with the Ukrainian confirming his dominance within the rematch retaining his unified heavyweight titles.
Chatting with Sky Sports activities, Usyk addressed his future and mentioned: “I’ll battle who will win, Joseph Parker, Daniel Dubois, no downside.”
Potential Challengers Able to Check Oleksandr Usyk
Despite the fact that Usyk could also be one of many legendary fighters, a brand new rising star might show to be a worthy challenger at a special weight.
Jai Opetaia
Usyk has talked about he could possibly be tempted again to cruiserweight, making Jai Opetaia a viable choice for the 38-year-old Ukrainian southpaw. The Aussie fighter might additionally transfer up in weight if he achieves all he needs at cruiserweight. A possible Opetaia-Usyk battle can be a chess match stuffed with intrigue. Each transfer their ft exceptionally nicely and choose their punches impressively. The boxing world would absolutely tune in for this one.
Bookmakers’ Predictions for Usyk’s 2025 Opponent
Bookmakers understandably have the winner of Parker-Dubois because the favorite subsequent opponent and Usyk has confirmed he’s able to face the winner of that battle.
Surprising Names That Might Enter the Dialog
Outdoors of Opetaia, it’s troublesome to see anybody being able to face the Ukrainian within the subsequent two fights. Usyk additional revealed to Sky Sports activities: “I believe two years, one and a half [left in boxing],” he mentioned. “I really feel nice myself. I really feel I’ve two fights to organize [for], no more. Simply two.”
Will Oleksandr Usyk Transfer to a New Weight Class?
Usyk has been so profitable in each the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions that hypothesis has arisen a few potential return to cruiserweight. Turning into undisputed once more within the division can be interesting, however with ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, Opetaia, and Badou Jack holding the belts, that risk appears unlikely within the subsequent two years. Nevertheless, a return for an excellent battle in opposition to Opetaia would seize widespread consideration. The larger query is whether or not Usyk can be prepared to drop again down in weight at 38.
In a latest interview, Usyk additionally hinted he might retire from boxing and pursue a profession in soccer. So possibly, he’s going to be seen on the soccer pitch quickly.
How Politics and Promotions Might Form the Combat
Enterprise and politics are, as at all times in boxing, intertwined with matchmaking. It’s clear that Usyk’s subsequent transfer will probably be influenced by his promotional workforce, his current contract obligations, and the willingness of main networks to fund sure fights. It appears sure will probably be Dubois or Parker subsequent however who will step up for Usyk’s last battle?
In 2025, the involvement of promoters like Eddie Hearn, Frank Warren, Bob Arum and Alex Krassyuk along with Turki Alalshikh can have extra management over how Usyk’s profession will unfold.