British heavyweight boxer; WBO champion 2025–May 2026; British/Commonwealth titles holder
Usyk has vacated the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight belts to allow contenders to fight for them, a move that opens the division and sets the stage for new champions. Kabayel has become WBC champion, while Gassiev is poised to inherit the WBA title; IBF actions point toward Frank Sanchez or Moses Itauma as next contenders. The sport faces a reshuffle as Usyk pivots toward a final, high-stakes bout.
British heavyweight Moses Itauma will headline London’s O2 Arena on Aug. 29 for the vacant IBF heavyweight title, facing Filip Hrgovic. The title win would crown Itauma as the youngest world heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson. The bout is part of a broader heavyweight landscape shaped by Usyk’s vacating of belts and ongoing negotiations for future super-fights.
The New Zealander has had his provisional suspension lifted after Ukad determined any cocaine ingestion occurred out-of-competition due to a nutritionist's cocaine use. Parker has stated he will return to the ring while details are finalised. The case follows a controversial fight with Fabio Wardley in London where traces of cocaine were found in a VADA test.
UK anti-doping authorities have lifted Parker’s provisional suspension after finding his cocaine ingestion occurred out of competition and was linked to a nutritionist’s cocaine use. Parker is free to fight again and has expressed intent to return to the ring.
Moses Itauma has upgraded to a world heavyweight title bout against Filip Hrgovic in London on August 29, with the vacant IBF belt on the line. At 21, Itauma could become the second-youngest heavyweight champion if he wins, following Mike Tyson. Promoter Frank Warren says the public has warmed to Itauma, who has 14-0 with 12 KOs.