British heavyweight boxer; WBO champion 2025–May 2026; British/Commonwealth titles holder
The New Zealand boxer has had his provisional suspension lifted after testing for cocaine emerged around his loss to Fabio Wardley in London. He has said he will be back in the ring as details are finalised.
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.