Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk will not box again in 2025 following his medical extension request being granted.

The news comes after Usyk requested that the WBO “discharge his mandatory” obligations against Joseph Parker. This means that Usyk, who has said he intends to fight one or two more times, will not defend his title against until at least early 2026, which puts the heavyweight decision at a standstill as it relates to world title opportunities.

The situation has forced the leading contenders to re-evaluate their plans. Parker, who is WBO mandatory challenger, is now reportedly close to a deal to face Fabio Wardley in October. Moses Itauma is ranked number one by the WBA and WBO, while Wardley has the WBA interim belt. As for Kubrat Pulev, he is the WBA Regular Heavyweight Champion, while Agit Kabayel is the WBC Interim Champion, as they wait for the WBO’s ruling.

“Usyk asked for time out from the WBO because of an injury, and he provided evidence, and that’s the position at the moment. Will he fight before the end of the year? I very much doubt it,” Warren said