"The landscape of the heavyweight division is changing as champions and former champions approach retirement, so who can we expect to be involved in the biggest fights moving forward? Some of the usual names are still looking for a title opportunity or a big payday. Both of those opportunities will be on the line when WBO heavyweight interim champion Joseph Parker takes on Fabio Wardley in London on Saturday, with the winner positioned for a title fight in 2026 against undisputed champ Oleksandr Usyk."
"Since Turki Alalshikh, chairperson of the Saudi Arabia General Entertainment Authority, became the most powerful figure in boxing a few years ago, matchups that make sense to fans no longer remain a fantasy and are made thanks to the heavyweight purses. Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) holds all four (WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO) heavyweight titles, but there are many big fights the division can make to start 2026 -- not just title fights -- that would grab fight fans' attention."
Champions and former champions in the heavyweight division are approaching retirement, reshaping the landscape and opening opportunities for new marquee fights. WBO interim champion Joseph Parker faces Fabio Wardley in London, with the winner positioned for a 2026 title shot against undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk. Since Turki Alalshikh's rise, heavyweight purses have enabled fan-appealing matchups to be made. Usyk holds all four major titles and plans to fight into his forties after a decisive fifth-round KO of Daniel Dubois. Tyson Fury remains a potential challenger, while Parker's status as WBO mandatory makes him a leading contender for Usyk.
Read at ESPN.com
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