Mandatories Won’t Decide Usyk’s Opponent — It’s His Choice
Oleksandr Usyk is firmly in control of his next fights, with a voluntary defense against Deontay Wilder set for spring 2026. The undisputed heavyweight champion will decide who he faces and when, sending a clear message to mandatories and contenders alike.
Speaking exclusively to World Boxing News, long-time team member Sergey Lapin confirmed that Usyk — the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion — calls the shots.
“Usyk will fight who he wants and when he wants — he earned that right, naturally, within the rules of the sanctioning bodies. Kabayel is a possible option, but the final decision is ours,” Lapin said, underscoring the champion’s authority over his schedule.
The timing is crucial. The WBA mandatory between Kubrat Pulev and Moses Itauma is already set, the IBF situation is nearing a ruling, and WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel is waiting for his guaranteed shot.
Through it all, Lapin’s message is consistent: Usyk makes all the plays as the division’s quarterback.
Kabayel in Germany Remains a Live Scenario
WBN understands that if Usyk wins his voluntary defense against Wilder, he could meet Kabayel’s mandatory with a stadium defense in Germany in late summer.
The projected sequence: Wilder in the spring, Kabayel in the summer, followed by WBA and IBF obligations toward the end of 2026. Team Usyk is open to Kabayel, but controlling timing remains the priority.
As Lapin emphasized, no one pushes Usyk into decisions.
Why Usyk Vacated the WBO Title
Lapin explained Usyk’s decision to relinquish the WBO belt, a move that surprised much of the boxing world.
“Usyk vacated the title because the WBO was rushing things too much,” Lapin told WBN. “He decided to give the young generation a chance.”
The WBO then handed the title to Fabio Wardley, prompting Lapin to push for an all-British title clash with Itauma.
“As for Wardley vs Itauma: if the same trainer coaches them, they might as well play cards for the belt instead of fighting each other. That’s about how realistic this fight looks.”
Chisora vs Wardley as a Practical Option
While questioning the feasibility of Wardley vs Itauma, Lapin highlighted a matchup with a more competitive weight.
“Chisora vs Wardley would be a great fight. Both are exciting, tough fighters. A strong option for a title matchup.”
For Team Usyk, rising contenders must prove readiness in legitimate fights if the division is opening space for them.
Lapin on Jake Paul
Lapin was equally direct about Jake Paul, who continues seeking high-profile fights, including against Usyk.
“Jake Paul sells himself better than anyone; that’s why everyone wants to fight him. Plus, he has a big Netflix contract. But the reality is simple: December 19 will be the last day of his boxing career. The levels are too far apart; he has no chance.”
He dismissed any notion of Paul facing Usyk.
“Usyk vs Jake Paul in boxing? Impossible. You can’t even imagine a boxing novice against the undisputed heavyweight champion. There were some talks about MMA, but it never went further than a face-to-face.”
The team’s assessment is clear: Paul is not in the picture.
The Champion Dictates the Direction
With Wilder, Kabayel, the Pulev–Itauma winner, upcoming IBF requirements, and rotation of mandatories, Usyk’s schedule is packed. Yet Lapin remains insistent on the future: Usyk will meet obligations, but he decides the order.
A Kabayel defense in Germany is possible. Wilder is first. Mandatories will form a queue. But the final decision rests with the fighter who has beaten every major heavyweight before him.
That is the position Usyk earned — and the one Team Usyk intends to protect.
For readers tracking his career, this is the most unambiguous indication yet of Usyk’s next fight and future bout roadmap.
Usyk’s Possible Roadmap
Spring 2026 | Deontay Wilder (Voluntary)
Autumn 2026 | Agit Kabayel (WBC mandatory)
Early 2027 | WBA\IBF\ (Mandatory)
Summer 2027 | WBA/IBF (Mandatory)
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed dozens of world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since founding WBN in 2010. Read full bio.