BoxRec

We have an interesting situation where due to contractually obliged fights, mandatories and eliminators, quite a few fights will hinge on who Usyk chooses as his next opponent. This is similar to if Dubois or Wardley won their first fight but that was nullified by the rematch.

Queensbury are contractually obliged to give Hrgovic a fight against Kabayel, Dubois, Wardley or Itauma next. With Dubois and Wardley facing off again, that leaves two potential opponents.

Alongside this, Usyk seems to be choosing between three possible plans. Wilder, Kabayel or retirement. With Kabayel holding the WBC belt while also having a possible defence against Hrgovic if Usyk doesn't want him and Wilder sat within reasonable IBF eliminator territory, a few fights hinge on this.

Alongside these, following on from Sanchez winning his IBF eliminator against Torrez, a second eliminator is required before a final eliminator. Chisora had originally held a position in the final eliminator but he lost to Wilder. I don't not believe that position then transfers to Wilder but it would be convenient if it did. If we ignore Joshua and Fury as they have their own plans, those in position to be called for the second semi-final eliminator are Itauma, Jalolov, Hrgovic, Wilder and Riakporhe.

Realistically, what will likely get is:

Usyk vs Wilder (WBA & IBF)
Kabayel vs Hrgovic (full WBC belt)
Itauma Vs Jalolov (IBF semi final Eliminator)
Sanchez Vs Itauma/Jalolov (IBF final eliminator)

OR

Usyk vs Kabayel
Itauma Vs Hrgovic (IBF semi final eliminator if Jalolov doesn't accept but the fight would happen anyway)
Jalolov Vs Wilder/Riakporhe (for the IBF semi final eliminator if Jalolov does accept)
Sanchez Vs Itauma/Hrgovic or Jalolov/Wilder/Riakporhe (IBF final eliminator)

Usyk retires it all gets thrown in the air a bit but what we can't get is Kabayel Vs Itauma. It would likely look similar to if Usyk chooses to face Wilder but with Itauma possibly lining up against Gassiev/Yoka for the vacant WBA belt.

What does everyone think will end up happening?

I feel like Itauma vs Hrgovic is likely next for the 2 of them. Usyk vs Wilder seems a strong possibility though I'd prefer Usyk vs Kabayel like everyone else.

Any combination of any of those names seems fine to me. Usyk vs Itauma would be the most intriguing of all possible Heavyweight TItle bouts I think, but Usyk vs Kabayel is right there behind it.

gilgamesh wrote: ↑28 May 2026, 04:26 I feel like Itauma vs Hrgovic is likely next for the 2 of them. Usyk vs Wilder seems a strong possibility though I'd prefer Usyk vs Kabayel like everyone else.

Any combination of any of those names seems fine to me. Usyk vs Itauma would be the most intriguing of all possible Heavyweight TItle bouts I think, but Usyk vs Kabayel is right there behind it.

It seems like Turki wants Usyk Vs Kabayel in Dusseldorf or Turkey. If he faces Wilder I'd assume it would be elsewhere. I think everyone could get on board with a Usyk fight against Wilder if Wilder knocks out a top opponent first like Kabayel, Itauma, Dubois, Wardley, Hrgovic or Jalolov. Otherwise I think people will struggle given how they've seen Wilder exposed so many times recently.

- Usyk said he was gonna have a one and done fight fight before Rico which would cement the Ukrainian Domination of the Hvy division that first started with Vitali's first ever Ring Rating in 1999 with Wlad following in 2000, near 30 years of Hvy Domination that has never been seen before.

Prob being Turki has been throwing around crazy $$$. K2 which promotes him is on record as saying he needs to retire to take care of his family and businesses. The Boxrec Fans had him losing 98-92. Only so many rabbits you can pull out of his Hat at age 40 if he chooses to chase a larger boxing fortune.

Usyk ultimately is his own man, but someone needs to tell him he either needs to fight a top contender or retire.

That way Russian haters like Alpsy can band together to form their own little Russian Hate forum.

Usyk vs. Kabayel (Usyk vacates IBF strap)
Fury vs. Ajagba or Xhoxhaj
Wilder vs. Chisora II
Itauma vs. Hrgovic
Jushua vs. Prenga
Dubois vs. Wardley II
Sanchez vs. Jalolov (victor fights the Itauma-Hrgovic winner)
Gassiev vs. Yoka
Ruiz Jr. vs. Journeyman (being reserved for Itauma)
Verhoeven vs. Ngannou

Wilder is pointless. Beating him will prove nothing since he's been beaten soundly by B-Level Parker and Big Bang, but he's also an unneeded risk because of his KO power.

Kabayel is the one to go for. He's the third best in the division after Usyk and Fury and the fight that will add to Usyk's legacy the most.

tigermoth87 wrote: ↑28 May 2026, 13:01 Wilder is pointless. Beating him will prove nothing since he's been beaten soundly by B-Level Parker and Big Bang, but he's also an unneeded risk because of his KO power.

Kabayel is the one to go for. He's the third best in the division after Usyk and Fury and the fight that will add to Usyk's legacy the most.

Forgot Zhang was still knocking around. There's one big fight left in him before he retires. An up and comer should take that opportunity and try to exploit his age and gas tank.

joshj909 wrote: ↑28 May 2026, 04:15 Alongside these, following on from Sanchez winning his IBF eliminator against Torrez, a second eliminator is required before a final eliminator.

That was what I too was expecting. But they actually announced in ring that Sanchez #3 v Torrez #4 was the IBF final eliminator.

Whereas Chisora had previously held #2 spot with #1 free. I expect they are about to fill #1 with Sanchez

joshj909 wrote: ↑28 May 2026, 04:15 Kabayel vs Hrgovic (full WBC belt)

IF, after all this, Usyk ducks Kabayel, then I won't hate Hrgovic (#5) fighting Kabayel for the WBC full title.

It will go someway to rectify the ridiculous foul play he experienced against Dubois (under Warren's gaze) when he lost out on his long---overdue IBF title shot.

Finkel wrote: ↑29 May 2026, 19:40

joshj909 wrote: ↑28 May 2026, 04:15 Alongside these, following on from Sanchez winning his IBF eliminator against Torrez, a second eliminator is required before a final eliminator.

That was what I too was expecting. But they actually announced in ring that Sanchez #3 v Torrez #4 was the IBF final eliminator.

Whereas Chisora had previously held #2 spot with #1 free. I expect they are about to fill #1 with Sanchez

Did the IBF announce it that way? The boxing media and promoters announce every eliminator as a final eliminator even when it isn't.

joshj909 wrote: ↑30 May 2026, 08:25

Finkel wrote: ↑29 May 2026, 19:40

joshj909 wrote: ↑28 May 2026, 04:15 Alongside these, following on from Sanchez winning his IBF eliminator against Torrez, a second eliminator is required before a final eliminator.

That was what I too was expecting. But they actually announced in ring that Sanchez #3 v Torrez #4 was the IBF final eliminator.

Whereas Chisora had previously held #2 spot with #1 free. I expect they are about to fill #1 with Sanchez

Did the IBF announce it that way? The boxing media and promoters announce every eliminator as a final eliminator even when it isn't.

I found this on the IBF website in relation to Sanchez v Torrez Jr.

"IBF Heavyweight (Over 200LBS)
(Over 200 LBS) Eliminator for #1"

It's on the second page of bouts for May 2026
https://www.ibf-usba-boxing.com/results/

Finkel wrote: ↑30 May 2026, 09:22

joshj909 wrote: ↑30 May 2026, 08:25

Finkel wrote: ↑29 May 2026, 19:40
That was what I too was expecting. But they actually announced in ring that Sanchez #3 v Torrez #4 was the IBF final eliminator.

Whereas Chisora had previously held #2 spot with #1 free. I expect they are about to fill #1 with Sanchez

Did the IBF announce it that way? The boxing media and promoters announce every eliminator as a final eliminator even when it isn't.

I found this on the IBF website in relation to Sanchez v Torrez Jr.

"IBF Heavyweight (Over 200LBS)
(Over 200 LBS) Eliminator for #1"

It's on the second page of bouts for May 2026
https://www.ibf-usba-boxing.com/results/

It would be interesting to see what they put compared to others that we know have a mandatory title shot. As far as I'm aware, when the first eliminator is won, the winner goes to 1 or 2 and then the second eliminator puts someone in the other spot and then they fight for the mandatory.

tigermoth87 wrote: ↑28 May 2026, 13:01 Wilder is pointless. Beating him will prove nothing since he's been beaten soundly by B-Level Parker and Big Bang, but he's also an unneeded risk because of his KO power.

Kabayel is the one to go for. He's the third best in the division after Usyk and Fury and the fight that will add to Usyk's legacy the most.

A win over Wilder on your record is definitely a bigger notch than Agit Kabayel. At least for now. Kabayel may well surpass Wilder at some point.

I know Kabayel is the more dangerous in the here and now, but Wilder is the more historically significant name.

gilgamesh wrote: ↑30 May 2026, 19:55A win over Wilder on your record is definitely a bigger notch than Agit Kabayel. At least for now. Kabayel may well surpass Wilder at some point.

I know Kabayel is the more dangerous in the here and now, but Wilder is the more historically significant name.

I agree. Usyk should fight Wilder, which would be a historically more significant fight because Wilder was a long-time WBC titleholder.

Usyk and Wilder are close to the same age and Usyk looked faded in his last fight, he no longer has his (previously excellent) footwork and quick reaction time.

gilgamesh wrote: ↑30 May 2026, 19:55

A win over Wilder on your record is definitely a bigger notch than Agit Kabayel. At least for now. Kabayel may well surpass Wilder at some point.

I know Kabayel is the more dangerous in the here and now, but Wilder is the more historically significant name.

False

Wilder lost conclusively to C-Level Big Zhang and Parker, fought a bum and then barely scraped past D-Level Chisora.

He's finished. Pointless fight. Kab is the one to beat now. The only real option for Usyk. Taking his 0 is much more impressive than Wilder.

tigermoth87 wrote: ↑30 May 2026, 23:44

gilgamesh wrote: ↑30 May 2026, 19:55

A win over Wilder on your record is definitely a bigger notch than Agit Kabayel. At least for now. Kabayel may well surpass Wilder at some point.

I know Kabayel is the more dangerous in the here and now, but Wilder is the more historically significant name.

False

Wilder lost conclusively to C-Level Big Zhang and Parker, fought a bum and then barely scraped past D-Level Chisora.

He's finished. Pointless fight. Kab is the one to beat now. The only real option for Usyk. Taking his 0 is much more impressive than Wilder.

It may seem pointless from a competition standpoint. It's not pointless from a historical standpoint.

Kabayel is a top contender right now, and he may or may not eventually stamp his place in Boxing history. Wilder already has stamped his place in Boxing history.

Obviously Kabayel deserves his shot. I don't deny him that, but if I'm Usyk, I'd be perfectly willing to get stripped of whatever belt, and just fight Wilder.

He'd always have Kabayel as an option afterward if he's still interested.

That being said, if he's ever gonna fight Kabayel. It's either his next fight or not at all surely. You don't want to get any older when facing these young guns. Either clean out the rest of the old guard or go for the #1 contender amongst the young right now.

Who knows maybe Kabayel could fight Dubois, and if Dubois beats him it makes it so that Usyk didn't even really need to bother with him

gilgamesh wrote: ↑30 May 2026, 23:51
It may seem pointless from a competition standpoint. It's not pointless from a historical standpoint.

Kabayel is a top contender right now, and he may or may not eventually stamp his place in Boxing history. Wilder already has stamped his place in Boxing history.

Obviously Kabayel deserves his shot. I don't deny him that, but if I'm Usyk, I'd be perfectly willing to get stripped of whatever belt, and just fight Wilder.

He'd always have Kabayel as an option afterward if he's still interested.

That being said, if he's ever gonna fight Kabayel. It's either his next fight or not at all surely. You don't want to get any older when facing these young guns. Either clean out the rest of the old guard or go for the #1 contender amongst the young right now.

Who knows maybe Kabayel could fight Dubois, and if Dubois beats him it makes it so that Usyk didn't even really need to bother with him

By that logic, Usyk might as well fight the washed up corpse of one of the Klistchkos too. The World Champion should fight the best available, and that is Kabayel. Not someone who was one of the best five years ago.

I assume no ranked boxer out there would ever dare to fight Rico Verhoeven right?

tigermoth87 wrote: ↑31 May 2026, 04:47

gilgamesh wrote: ↑30 May 2026, 23:51
It may seem pointless from a competition standpoint. It's not pointless from a historical standpoint.

Kabayel is a top contender right now, and he may or may not eventually stamp his place in Boxing history. Wilder already has stamped his place in Boxing history.

Obviously Kabayel deserves his shot. I don't deny him that, but if I'm Usyk, I'd be perfectly willing to get stripped of whatever belt, and just fight Wilder.

He'd always have Kabayel as an option afterward if he's still interested.

That being said, if he's ever gonna fight Kabayel. It's either his next fight or not at all surely. You don't want to get any older when facing these young guns. Either clean out the rest of the old guard or go for the #1 contender amongst the young right now.

Who knows maybe Kabayel could fight Dubois, and if Dubois beats him it makes it so that Usyk didn't even really need to bother with him

By that logic, Usyk might as well fight the washed up corpse of one of the Klistchkos too. The World Champion should fight the best available, and that is Kabayel. Not someone who was one of the best five years ago.

I agree generally speaking, but when you got a guy nearing the end of his career, it's all about trying to tie it all up in a nice little bow. Beating Wilder would mean he beat the 3 biggest names of the current Heavyweight era aside from himself.

I obviously as a fan would have no complaints about him fighting Kabayel either, I'm just thinking like a manager i suppose.

881073 wrote: ↑31 May 2026, 06:31 I assume no ranked boxer out there would ever dare to fight Rico Verhoeven right?

Only if he really had nothing to lose I'd think. If you're already in a high position awaiting or nearing your shot they'll probably stay away from him. If you're on the outside of the Top 10 looking in, Rico may be your best option.

gilgamesh wrote: ↑30 May 2026, 19:55

tigermoth87 wrote: ↑28 May 2026, 13:01 Wilder is pointless. Beating him will prove nothing since he's been beaten soundly by B-Level Parker and Big Bang, but he's also an unneeded risk because of his KO power.

Kabayel is the one to go for. He's the third best in the division after Usyk and Fury and the fight that will add to Usyk's legacy the most.

A win over Wilder on your record is definitely a bigger notch than Agit Kabayel. At least for now. Kabayel may well surpass Wilder at some point.

I know Kabayel is the more dangerous in the here and now, but Wilder is the more historically significant name.

By this argument he might as well fight Mike Tyson.

gilgamesh wrote: ↑31 May 2026, 07:19

881073 wrote: ↑31 May 2026, 06:31 I assume no ranked boxer out there would ever dare to fight Rico Verhoeven right?

Only if he really had nothing to lose I'd think. If you're already in a high position awaiting or nearing your shot they'll probably stay away from him. If you're on the outside of the Top 10 looking in, Rico may be your best option.

And I would think almost certainly best paying option.

gp. wrote: ↑31 May 2026, 08:28By this argument he might as well fight Mike Tyson.

No, there's a big difference.

Mike Tyson is about 20 years older. Wilder is about the same age as Usyk, both are faded.

gp. wrote: ↑31 May 2026, 08:28

gilgamesh wrote: ↑30 May 2026, 19:55

tigermoth87 wrote: ↑28 May 2026, 13:01 Wilder is pointless. Beating him will prove nothing since he's been beaten soundly by B-Level Parker and Big Bang, but he's also an unneeded risk because of his KO power.

Kabayel is the one to go for. He's the third best in the division after Usyk and Fury and the fight that will add to Usyk's legacy the most.

A win over Wilder on your record is definitely a bigger notch than Agit Kabayel. At least for now. Kabayel may well surpass Wilder at some point.

I know Kabayel is the more dangerous in the here and now, but Wilder is the more historically significant name.

By this argument he might as well fight Mike Tyson.

If you don't get what I'm saying then you don't get it. Some people get it.

Perkin Warbeck wrote: ↑31 May 2026, 10:37

gp. wrote: ↑31 May 2026, 08:28By this argument he might as well fight Mike Tyson.

No, there's a big difference.

Mike Tyson is about 20 years older. Wilder is about the same age as Usyk, both are faded.

Plus Wilder has won his last 2 fights. Mike Tyson has lost his last 3...and yes is 20 years older

gilgamesh wrote: ↑31 May 2026, 13:30

gp. wrote: ↑31 May 2026, 08:28

gilgamesh wrote: ↑30 May 2026, 19:55

A win over Wilder on your record is definitely a bigger notch than Agit Kabayel. At least for now. Kabayel may well surpass Wilder at some point.

I know Kabayel is the more dangerous in the here and now, but Wilder is the more historically significant name.

By this argument he might as well fight Mike Tyson.

If you don't get what I'm saying then you don't get it. Some people get it.

You're missing the possibility that I do get it, I just don't agree with it.