As the heavyweight division continues to shift, one potential matchup has captured the imagination of boxing fans: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Wladimir Klitschko.
At 38, Usyk remains at the top, having unified the WBO, WBA and WBC titles with his second victory over Tyson Fury. Yet, rumors of retirement persist, and speculation is growing around a possible farewell fight against fellow Ukrainian legend Klitschko. Should this clash come to fruition, it could be the biggest bout of 2025.
Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, has suggested that an all-Ukrainian showdown between the two would provide the perfect conclusion to the unified heavyweight champion’s career. Both men represent the pinnacle of Ukraine’s boxing legacy, making a potential fight between them a highly anticipated spectacle.
But while the matchup intrigues, uncertainty looms over Usyk’s future in the sport, with retirement still very much a possibility.
If he decides to retire, the heavyweight division could see a dramatic shift. Daniel Dubois, who has long been eyeing a rematch with Usyk, would be in position to take the mantle. After a stunning knockout of Anthony Joshua to claim the IBF world title, Dubois has cemented himself as one of the division’s most dangerous and ambitious contenders.
His victory over Joshua has revitalized his career, and the prospect of a rematch with Usyk now carries even more weight. Dubois, who faces Joseph Parker on Feb. 22 in Riyadh, sees the fight as a crucial step toward unifying the division himself.
A win over Parker would bring him closer to a shot at Usyk—or position him as the future champion should the Ukrainian retire.
Should Usyk continue his reign, a rematch with Dubois becomes increasingly likely. After their initial meeting in August 2023, in which Usyk emerged victorious, the potential for a second fight is heightened by Dubois’ newfound confidence and championship status.
His dominant performance over Joshua has set the stage for a much higher-stakes encounter, and the heavyweight world would be watching closely.
Meanwhile, looming over the division is Klitschko, now nearing 49 years old. The former heavyweight king is rumored to be contemplating a return to the ring, with hopes of breaking George Foreman’s record as the oldest heavyweight champion ever. Should Klitschko make a comeback, a fight with Usyk would be the most intriguing option, providing the ultimate Ukrainian clash.
However, Klitschko’s return is not yet confirmed. While he has shown a deep commitment to Ukraine amid the ongoing war, he has yet to decide whether to re-enter the sport. His potential comeback and the possibility of facing Usyk make for one of boxing’s most compelling stories in 2025.
With the heavyweight division on the cusp of significant change, the question remains: Is Usyk vs. Klitschko the superfight boxing needs in 2025? Regardless of whether it happens, the decisions of these two iconic figures will undoubtedly shape the future of the division.
