Terence Crawford has weighed in on the current heavyweight scene ahead of major changes over the next twelve months.
Oleksandr Usyk is the current unified champion, holding the WBC, IBF and WBA belts. His vacated WBO title was awarded to Fabio Wardley, who, at 31, still has years of intriguing fights ahead in the division
The may not be true for Usyk, who has put forward a three-and-out fight plan that could see him retire next year. It is a similar story for former champions, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. The Brits have been beaten twice by Usyk and are now signed to fight each other towards the end of this year, with retirement not far off.
Once the three men retire, the sport’s top division will have gaps to fill. Brits like Moses Itauma, Wardley and Daniel Dubois – who challenges for the WBO belt this month – are looking to rise to the top. There is also undefeated Agit Kabayel, who is in prime position for Usyk’s WBC belt, either through a mand atory challenge or elevation if it is relinquished.
Crawford still recognises Usyk – the man he competed with for pound-for-pound top spot – as the best heavyweight in the world, and is likely to hold that view until the Ukrainian southpaw retires.
When asked to name the number two, the American overlooked the likes of Wardley, Itauma and Kabayel, instead saying he believes Fury to still be right behind the Ukrainian.
Tyson
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) March 30, 2026
Fury returned to action last month following over a year out from his second loss to Usyk. ‘The Gypsy King’ built in to his comprehensive points win over Arslanbek Makhmudov as the rounds went on, but many expected to see a stoppage.
Though he has insisted he wants to fight ‘AJ’ next, the latter’s decision to take a fight against little-known Kristian Prenga in June has led the Morecambe man to consider an interim fight of his own.
In the meantime, other heavyweights will continue to make their case for a place in the top five, with 21-year-old Itauma widely tipped to take over from Usyk.
