Oleksandr Usyk eyes comeback date

In a sport that devours its own kings, Oleksandr Usyk has learned to survive his own myth. The undisputed heavyweight champion doesn’t need to announce a return – a whisper is enough for the entire division to hold its breath. At 38, the Ukrainian is preparing to step back into the ring in the first half of 2026 after recovering from a back injury that has kept him sidelined since July.

The confirmation came from his adviser Serhii Lapin, who said the recovery is going smoothly. “He feels good and in excellent shape,” Lapin told The Ring. Usyk has resumed training at a rehabilitation camp and is moving as if age has yet to catch up with him.

Usyk watches on for Parker vs Wardley

His next move will depend on the outcome of the upcoming bout between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley in London. The winner will earn the right to challenge the Ukrainian for the WBO belt – one of four titles he holds alongside The Ring championship. The mandatory rotation system requires that defense, though no one in the champion’s camp seems in any hurry.

Since knocking out Daniel Dubois at Wembley, Usyk has kept his record spotless at 24 wins, 15 of them by knockout.

Talk of a trilogy with Tyson Fury has resurfaced, but Lapin dismissed it without hesitation. “That chapter is closed,” he said. Two victories were enough. Meanwhile, Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh is pushing for a fight with 20-year-old British prodigy Moses Itauma, who recently knocked out Dillian Whyte. Usyk watches from afar. The champion prefers opponents who add to his legacy – not those who use him as a stepping stone.

“I wouldn’t say he doesn’t want to fight Itauma,” Lapin explained. “He’s a promising fighter, and his team has done a great job getting him to this level. But if we look at the heavyweight division, aside from Usyk, there are plenty of elite boxers.”

Can Usyk fight on to 41?

The Ukrainian had hinted that he might only fight once more, but he’s changed his mind. Now he plans to keep going until he’s 41, before opening a sports academy. His story isn’t written for retirement – it’s written for endurance. According to The Daily Mail, he ranks third among the greatest heavyweights in history, behind Muhammad Ali and Joe Louis.

Boxing has seen unbeaten champions before, but few who command such quiet respect. Usyk doesn’t threaten – he simply shows up. And when he does, the rest fall in line.

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