40-year-old Englishman to potentially receive massive opportunity.
Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate his unified championship caused a major shift in the world heavyweight picture, one that signalled that the most prominent current player was getting ready to put down his controller for good.
Though of course, you don’t play boxing–it’s not a game–but if you could, many would argue that Usyk has already reached the high score.
Indeed, with his résumé, list of accomplishments, and his overall accolades, it’s a fair assessment to say he has nothing left to prove. As such, his decision to give up his titles makes sense.
When it comes to those who’ve benefitted from that act, Agit Kabayel has already scooped up the WBC title, Frank Sanchez will be one half of a bout for the IBF belt, and the WBA title is now with former Usyk foe Murat Gassiev.
Gassiev was set to defend that title against Tony Yoka. Only, Yoka was forced to withdraw yesterday due to a back injury. Quickly after, it was confirmed a replacement opponent would be sought after.
That replacement is now thought to most likely be Joe Joyce, who is still currently scheduled to do battle against Artem Suslenkov for the WBA Continental title on the same show Gassiev was to fight Yoka.
The 40-year-old Joyce is 2-4 in his last six fights and would be the second-oldest heavyweight champion in history if he were to achieve victory in the headline act.
While the Londoner is considered to be the most likely option, there has been no official announcement of such as of right now. We should, however, find out very soon.
Tony Yoka is now OUT of his WBA heavyweight title clash against Murat Gassiev due to a back injury ❌
The Ring has learned that alternative opponents are being lined up for Gassiev’s return later this month, with Joe Joyce as the most likely option. pic.twitter.com/bPSrjREqHS
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) July 2, 2026
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