Overview
- The heavyweight bout takes place on Saturday, Oct. 25, at London’s O2 Arena, with DAZN carrying the event on pay-per-view for £24.99.
- Usyk received a 90‑day WBO medical extension for a back injury and, per advisor Serhii Lapin, is expected to return in early 2026 with the winner a likely option.
- If Usyk opts not to defend against Saturday’s winner, the WBO could elevate the interim holder to full champion or order a fight for a vacant belt.
- Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) defends his WBO interim and mandatory status after wins over Zhilei Zhang, Deontay Wilder and Martin Bakole.
- Fabio Wardley (19-0-1, 18 KOs) arrives unbeaten after knockout victories over Frazer Clarke and Justis Huni, the latter stopped while Wardley trailed on the cards.