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Usyk Camp Eyes Parker–Wardley Victor in 2026 as WBO Mandatory Looms in London

Advisor Sergey Lapin says a first-half 2026 return targets the O2 bout’s winner, signaling a move away from a Fury trilogy.

Overview

  • Joseph Parker faces Fabio Wardley on October 25 at London’s O2 Arena for the WBO interim title, with the winner designated as Oleksandr Usyk’s mandatory challenger.
  • The WBO granted Usyk a 90-day medical extension for a back injury and ordered him to defend against the Parker–Wardley winner.
  • Usyk’s advisor Sergey Lapin says the champion is aiming to return in the first half of 2026, views the O2 victor as the frontrunner, and considers a third Tyson Fury fight unlikely.
  • Parker says he chose activity over waiting for Usyk, putting his mandatory status on the line against the unbeaten Wardley (19-0-1, 18 KOs).
  • Anthony Joshua’s comeback planning includes potential Africa dates, and Kingsley Ibeh — on an 11-fight win streak — has publicly called him out for a bout in Nigeria.