Usyk – the greatest fighter of all time at the age of 38 – still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF titles, but he lacks credible challengers.
He has defeated Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois twice each. And he has ruled out facing Itauma in 2026.
The IBF has ordered a final eliminator between American Richard Torrez Jr. (14-0) and Cuba’s Frank Sanchez (25-0-1).
Several veterans, including Dubois and Itauma, have turned down Sanchez in favor of other routes, but if Torrez accepts, the winner could be well placed for a shot at Usyk.
Purists believe one name that can seriously test the champion is Germany’s Agit Kabayel.
Undefeated in 26 starts with 18 stoppages, Kabayel is the WBC ‘interim’ champion and will face Damien Naiba on January 10.
After an impressive streak of five stoppage wins – including wins against Zilei Zhang and Sanchez – he is arguably the most deserving of a title shot outside of Wardle.
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