Oleksandr Usyk could extend his career for a short while longer than he has recently anticipated, potentially restoring his original three-fight plan.

The Ukrainian outlined this exit strategy ahead of his clash with Rico Verhoeven, who gave a terrific effort before suffering an 11th-round stoppage defeat in May.

Usyk then vacated his three world titles and announced that he has just one fight left, before calling time on his glittering career.

In terms of potential opponents, a few have been mentioned but it appears that Deontay Wilder, the former WBC champion, remains a frontrunner for 2027.

‘The Bronze Bomber’ comes off a split decision victory over Derek Chisora, who he floored twice in a battle between two forty-something veterans last April.

But while Usyk is expected to face Wilder early next year, probably in America, he could then be poised to enter a trilogy showdown with Tyson Fury.

Earlier this week, ‘The Gypsy King’ took to social media and called out his former foe, having been left frustrated by the tedious negotiations for a clash with Anthony Joshua.

According to Boxing King Media, though, Team Usyk’s Sergey Lapin has reported that the lineal heavyweight champion will only consider facing Fury after his expected encounter with Wilder.

“Lapin confirms their first option and priority is Deontay Wilder. That fight is yet to be signed and sealed, but Team Usyk made it clear they would only consider a Fury trilogy after fighting Wilder.”

Usyk and Fury – now aged 39 and 38, respectively – fought on two occasions in 2024, with Usyk edging a split decision before unanimously winning their rematch.