Who could be Alexander Usyk's next opponent in 2025?

On the same day as the legendary American boxer, but with a gap of 47 years. January 17 brought two champions to the world of sports. In 1942, Cassius Clay, later known as Muhammad Ali, was born, and in 1987, on the same day, Oleksandr Usyk came into the world. He has already turned 38.

From a young age, our champion was aware of his connection to the legendary Clay. Thus, the number "17" became Usyk's favorite and even magical. It was one of the reasons why Alexander took up boxing, and it is prominently featured on his boxing gear. Therefore, Usyk has always believed he could follow in the footsteps of his idol. And indeed, he has.

Usyk became an Olympic champion and a two-time undisputed champion in the heavyweight and super heavyweight divisions. He is the fighter of 2024 and the best boxer, regardless of weight. Given his birthday, the editorial team of UNN decided to explore who Usyk might fight at this, for a boxer, significant age and what his chances are of keeping his record free of losses.

Deontay Wilder

Record: (43-4-1, 42 KOs)

Age: 39

Height: 201 cm

Chances of a fight with Usyk: 2 out of 5

Deontay Wilder was once a formidable knockout artist. In his first 43 fights, the American remained unbeaten in the ring. With each match, his opponents often did not last until the end. Luis Ortiz, Artur Szpilka, Robert Helenius, Bermane Stiverne, Dominic Breazeale – all were brutally knocked out by Wilder. However, the trilogy with the well-known Tyson Fury broke the American. Initially, in December 2018, the fighters fought to a draw. In the following two bouts, Tyson decisively defeated Deontay, stopping the fights in the seventh and eleventh rounds.

After that, Wilder was never the same. He then suffered defeats to New Zealander Joseph Parker (who won by decision) and was brutally knocked out by Chinese fighter Zhang Zhilei in the fifth round.

Despite four setbacks, Wilder remains a serious contender. He can still knock someone out with a single punch, as punching power is the last thing to fade for a boxer with age. Moreover, Deontay remains commercially viable for promoters and organizations. Fights involving him generate tens of millions of dollars. Therefore, a matchup with Oleksandr Usyk is important, especially from a business standpoint. No one is willing to pass up the opportunity to make "green bills."

If there are no other contenders for Alexander, he will face the American veteran. However, Deontay will likely have very little chance. Usyk will probably win by stoppage before the tenth round.

Prediction: Usyk TKO 9

Martin Bakole

Record: (21-1, 16 KOs)

Age: 31

Height: 198 cm

Chances of a fight with Usyk: 3 out of 5

Martin Bakole is the "dark horse" of the heavyweight division. Just three years ago, few had heard of him. However, in boxing circles, he was already known as a strong sparring partner. It was rumored that he had knocked down Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk during training. The Congolese fighter dreams of meeting Usyk, and he has a chance.

In August of last year, Martin caused an upset by knocking out rising star Jared Anderson. Since then, he has not stepped into the ring for some reason, and currently, there are no scheduled fights for Bakole. According to promoters, Bakole is being considered for a match against Anthony Joshua. If the Brit refuses, there is a chance of a bout with Usyk.

This fight would be challenging for Alexander, to be frank. Bakole has a granite chin. He always approaches his opponent like a tank. It's tough to move him, make him retreat, or fluster him.

However, the African also has weaknesses: he is slow compared to our champion, and his boxing IQ is several levels below that of the Ukrainian. Therefore, in a potential matchup, Usyk would likely win by decision.

Prediction: Usyk W (UD) 12

Joseph Parker

Record: (35-3, 23 KOs)

Age: 33

Height: 193 cm

Chances of a fight with Usyk: 4 out of 5

The next two boxers are the most likely opponents for Oleksandr Usyk, Joseph Parker and Daniel Dubois. They will meet in a bout for the IBF championship title on February 22. Dubois is the favorite for the fight. However, for now, let’s focus on Parker.

The New Zealander first gained fame a decade ago. At 23, he defeated elite boxer Carlos Takam. After that, in December 2016, he won his first and only championship belt from the WBO, outpointing American Andy Ruiz over 12 rounds.

Parker then successfully defended his title twice, outpointing Razvan Cojanu and Tyson Fury's cousin Hughie Fury. Riding the wave of success, Parker attempted to unify titles but lost to Anthony Joshua. He then lost two more times to fellow Britons: Dillian Whyte and Joe Joyce.

Everyone had counted Parker out, but something unpredictable occurred: he seemed to "rise from the dead." As previously mentioned, he defeated Deontay Wilder and in his latest performance, he caused an upset by defeating star Chinese fighter Zhang Zhilei.

In his next bout, Parker could defeat Dubois. He just needs to stay focused and showcase his diverse arsenal, and then a victory, most likely by decision, will be guaranteed.

Once he becomes champion, Parker will almost certainly want a fight with Usyk and may get it, with the winner taking the undisputed title again. Facing the New Zealander will be even more challenging for Usyk than potentially facing Bakole. Parker's IQ is not any worse, but Joseph lags behind the Ukrainian in reaction and speed. Given their similar styles, the performance is unlikely to be spectacular. Usyk can likely edge out a competitive victory over Parker by split decision.

Prediction: Usyk W (SD) 12

Daniel Dubois

Record: (22-2, 21 KOs)

Age: 27

Height: 196 cm

Chances of a fight with Usyk: 5 out of 5

The favorite on this list is Daniel Dubois. He shocked everyone. This is probably the main metamorphosis in the boxing world over the last 10 years.

Unconfident and sluggish, Dubois was knocked out by the well-known Brit Joe Joyce back in 2020. At that time, analysts removed Daniel from all rankings, and no one expected anything from him. For three years, Dubois fought against a mediocre list of boxers until he faced Oleksandr Usyk in August 2023. That fight wasn't even popular among Ukrainians. Nobody knew who this Dubois was. He was given no chance. In the actual bout, Dubois appeared distinctly "uninspired." But one thing happened: the Brit hit Oleksandr either in the waist or below it (analysts still debate this) and sent the champion to the canvas. The referee ruled the punch as illegal, so he did not count it as a knockdown. Usyk took a few minutes to recover. Had the blow been counted, it would have been a knockout loss for the Ukrainian. However, Usyk recovered and finished the fight early; Dubois could never psychologically recover from the shock that the fight wasn't concluded in his favor.

After that, Dubois underwent a radical transformation. Against his next opponent Jarrell Miller, the Brit came out as a different fighter: quick, tough, brave, and uncompromising. In a vibrant battle, he knocked out Miller. Then in the summer of 2024, he defeated another rising star, Filip Hrgovic, and by the end of the year, he dismantled the well-known Anthony Joshua, becoming the IBF champion.

If Dubois knocks out Parker, he will face Usyk again. Here, there are two possible outcomes: either Daniel will falter again and be knocked out by the Ukrainian, or he will come in fully focused and be able to stop Usyk.

Prediction: Usyk TKO 10

Oleksandr Usyk has every chance of not losing this year. However, he is 38. This is almost retirement age for a boxer at the world level. Although Alexander has repeatedly proven that he can shatter all stereotypes.