Oleksandr Usyk quietly plots his next move, with numerous top contenders vying for their shot to share the ring with him.
The great Ukrainian became undisputed in the heavyweight division for a second time earlier this year when he knocked Daniel Dubois out at Wembley Stadium.
He now has a mandatory challenger in Fabio Wardley to face, as well as WBC Interim Champion Agit Kabayel waiting in the wings. Whilst Usyk has remained relatively tight-lipped on his next move, he has made it clear he is likely to fight again.
As the top contenders make their case for a shot at the throne, former three-belt champion Andy Ruiz Jr has joined the charge. In fact, speaking to Covers, Ruiz revealed that the undisputed Ukrainian recently messaged him saying he was open to a fight if things aligned.
“Maybe like a few weeks ago, I was messaging Usyk. I guess he sent me a message or something. I was like, ‘Hey, much love, brother. I would love to get in the ring with you. It would be a pleasure.’ And then he was like, “In God’s timing, we will do it. We will run it up.” And I was like, “‘Oh, snap.'”
For the match-up to be a serious possibility, Ruiz must get busy fighting. He has been out of the ring since a draw with Jarrell Miller in August of 2024. Prior to that, he fought once in 2022 – a win over Luiz Ortiz – and once in 2021, beating Chris Arreola.
‘The Destroyer’s career highlight remains a shock win over Anthony Joshua in 2019 to become unified champion. He would lose those belts in the rematch six months later, and must find form and convince fans of his remaining potential before being mentioned alongside Usyk. Recent hand surgery and a link-up with former trainer Manny Robles seem to have him motivated.
