Clarke vs TKV: What next for heavyweight division after TKV win with Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury & Itauma futures analysed

At 38, the greatest of all time, Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF titles but is running out of credible opponents.

Tyson Fury has beaten Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois twice. And he ruled out facing Itauma in 2026.

The IBF ordered the final heat between American Richard Torrez Jr (14-0) and Cuba’s Frank Sanchez (25-0-1).

Many heavyweights, including Dubois and Itauma, have turned down Sanchez in favor of other routes, but if Torrez accepts, the winner could be well positioned against Usyk.

The only name purists believe can seriously test the champion is German Agit Kabayel.

Kabayel, unbeaten in 26 matches with 18 stoppages, became the WBC ‘interim’ champion and will face Damian Knyba on January 10.

After an impressive run of five stop wins, including over Zhilei Zhang and Sanchez, he is arguably the most deserving title winner outside of Wardley.