Oleksandr Usyk's advisor, Serhii Lapin, confirmed that the undisputed heavyweight champion will return in the first half of 2026 and that he wants to face the winner of the fight between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley.

According to Mike Coppinger on InsideRingShow, Lapin commented that Usyk is already better from his back injury because he has completed his rehabilitation and it only remains to be seen who will step into the ring.

“I spoke to Usyk's advisor, Serhii Lapin, and he said, 'Maybe five more fights with Usyk during that period.' Now, he's thinking about the first half of 2026 against the winner of this Saturday's fight between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley,” he said.

“That will be the mandatory WBO requirement that was ordered in July for Parker to fight Usyk, but Usyk has an injury on his back. He feels good now. He just completed his rehabilitation and is in excellent shape," he added.

Recall that the WBO ordered Oleksandr Usyk to face Joseph Parker, the organization's official challenger. After the negotiation deadline passed, the champion requested a 90-day extension to treat his injuries.

After the organization accepted the Ukrainian champion's request, Parker scheduled a fight with Fabio Wardley, who defeated Dillan White by knockout, or look for another available opponent.

Usyk comes from dominating Daniel Dubois in the rematch after knocking him out with a left hook that left him lying on the canvas. With this victory, the Ukrainian regained the International Boxing Federation (IBF) belt and once again became the undisputed heavyweight champion, reaffirming his place among the current greats of boxing.

For this reason, the Ukrainian's team believes he has earned the right to choose his future and to take the time necessary to make that decision.

Oleksandr Usyk, 37, became the undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time and continues to grow his legacy in the sport. The Ukrainian fighter maintains his immaculate record after 24 fights, 15 of them by knockout.