Oleksandr Usyk hints at major announcement amid boxing shake-up

Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has told fans to expect a major announcement “very soon” following a turbulent week of news in the sport.

The Ukrainian took to social media on Friday to promise an update, fueling intense speculation regarding his next move inside the ring.

“Very soon, everyone will learn what they’ve been waiting for… Don’t miss it,” Usyk wrote on X.

Earlier in the week, the unbeaten 39-year-old had posted a similarly cryptic message, stating he was “getting ready for something big”.

Rumours of Zuffa deal dismissed

This tease comes shortly after Usyk’s camp moved to quash rumours linking him with Zuffa Boxing.

Speculation had intensified after Conor Benn left Eddie Hearn to join Dana White’s new venture, but Sergey Lapin, Usyk’s team director, firmly rejected reports of a similar switch.

“Friends, there are reports circulating in the media, claiming that Oleksandr Usyk has allegedly signed a contract with Zuffa Boxing,” Lapin stated.

“This information is not true. We ask that you rely exclusively on official statements from our team.”

A seismic week for boxing

Usyk’s comments arrive during a period of significant upheaval and headline-grabbing stories within the boxing world.

Alongside Benn’s promotional shift, Frank Warren has reportedly launched a substantial lawsuit regarding lost income against Zuffa’s owners.

Furthermore, a rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao has been confirmed, more than a decade after their record-breaking initial encounter.

Usyk’s recent dominance

The former cruiserweight king has been out of action since July, when he stopped Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.

That victory cemented his status as a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.

Usyk subsequently vacated his WBO title in November, allowing Fabio Wardley to be elevated from interim holder to full champion.

Wardley is now scheduled to defend that belt against Dubois in Manchester on 9 May.