Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has sent the boxing world into a frenzy by teasing a major announcement "very soon," urging fans not to miss it. This comes during a week packed with seismic shifts in the sport, from high-profile promoter changes to billion-dollar lawsuits and a legendary rematch confirmation.
A Week of Boxing Turmoil and Excitement
The boxing landscape has been rocked by a series of developments. Last Friday, Conor Benn shocked the industry by splitting from longtime promoter Eddie Hearn to join rival Dana White at Zuffa Boxing. Shortly after, reports emerged that veteran promoter Frank Warren is claiming a staggering $1 billion in lost income from Zuffa Boxing's owners, alleging contract disputes.
Warren told the BBC regarding the reported lawsuit: "It's just a difference of opinion over the contracts that we signed, so that will just take its course. I can't make any comment on it. It is what it is." In response, a representative of Zuffa Boxing co-owners Sela stated to The Independent: "We are disappointed by the unfounded claims brought by Queensberry and Frank Warren. We reject them in their entirety and are confident that the facts will fully vindicate our position."
Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 Confirmed
In an unrelated but monumental announcement, Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao 2 was confirmed, reigniting one of boxing's most lucrative rivalries exactly eleven years after their historic first encounter. This news alone would typically dominate headlines, but it's just one piece of a chaotic week.
Usyk's Cryptic Messages Fuel Speculation
Amid this backdrop, pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk has been dropping hints about his own major news. On Wednesday, he posted: "Not rushing, but getting ready for something big." This was followed by another statement on X this Friday: "Very soon, everyone will learn what they've been waiting for... Don't miss it!"
Speculation immediately ran wild, with some fans theorizing the Ukrainian might have signed with Zuffa Boxing. However, Usyk's team director Sergey Lapin quickly dismissed this rumor, tweeting: "Friends, there are reports circulating in the media, claiming that Oleksandr Usyk has allegedly signed a contract with Zuffa Boxing. This information is not true. We ask that you rely exclusively on official statements from our team."
Usyk's Recent Dominance and Future Plans
The unbeaten 39-year-old hasn't fought since July, when he stopped Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, adding to his previous undisputed reign at cruiserweight. In November, Usyk vacated the WBO title, leading to Fabio Wardley being elevated to champion after claiming the interim belt. Wardley is set to defend the regular title against Dubois in Manchester on 9 May.
Usyk has been granted a voluntary title defence next, which was briefly expected to be against Deontay Wilder. However, Wilder has now been paired with Usyk's former opponent Derek Chisora on 4 April. If Usyk's next fight is indeed a voluntary defence, it could pave the way for a WBC title defence against mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman explained this month: "Kabayel was not available, because he had a fight scheduled in January. So, [Usyk] requested a voluntary title defence, which is very customary. He was given that opportunity, and he must fight the interim champion next. That's the ruling."
Fury's Return and Trilogy Desires
Elsewhere in the heavyweight division, Tyson Fury will end his fifth retirement on 11 April, facing Arslanbek Makhmudov at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Fury has repeatedly expressed his desire for a trilogy bout with Usyk, who outpointed him twice in 2024, adding another layer of intrigue to Usyk's upcoming announcement.
As the boxing world holds its breath, Usyk's promise of revealing what fans have "been waiting for" ensures all eyes remain fixed on the Ukrainian champion during this unprecedented week of boxing drama.
