Usyk vacated the WBO title earlier this 12 months after being ordered to defend towards Fabio Wardley. That order got here after Wardley’s win over Joseph Parker. As a substitute of taking the struggle, Usyk gave up the belt and saved the IBF, WBA, and WBC titles.
His final bout got here on July 19, when he stopped IBF champion Daniel Dubois within the fifth spherical. Since then, there was no official announcement relating to his subsequent struggle. He’s not anticipated again within the ring till someday in 2026.
That leaves the remainder of the division ready.
With Usyk nonetheless holding three belts and no struggle scheduled, the obligatory challengers are stalled. Rankings proceed to replace, however nothing strikes with out a protection or a emptiness. Fighters can take non-title bouts to remain energetic, however that comes with threat. A loss can drop them out of place. Others select to attend and lose time as an alternative.
Agit Kabayel is among the many contenders affected by the delay. He stays extremely ranked, however there is no such thing as a date and no enforcement order in place that might transfer him nearer to a title shot. The identical uncertainty applies to different obligatory positions tied to Usyk’s remaining belts.
Sanctioning our bodies have instruments to behave, however they’ve been sluggish to make use of them. Stripping a unified champion isn’t achieved rapidly, particularly when the champion is coming off a latest win and citing harm. That has left the system in limbo.
As of late December 2025, Usyk has no confirmed return date. There may be additionally no timetable for resolving the excellent obligatory obligations related to his IBF, WBA, and WBC titles.
For now, the belts keep put. The challengers wait. Nothing adjustments till Usyk fights once more or provides one up.
