Hrgović wins Usyk’s former belt as the Ukrainian champion plans a final spectacle

Filip Hrgović claimed the biggest victory of his career by stopping Moses Itauma in the ninth round at London’s O2 Arena and taking the vacant IBF heavyweight championship.

The belt had recently belonged to Oleksandr Usyk, whose decision to give it up helped open the way for Hrgović and Itauma to fight for the title. Usyk also relinquished his WBA and WBC belts in late June, when he said he planned to have only one more professional bout.

According to The Ring, Usyk hopes to return to the ring in March 2027 for what he intends to be the final fight of his career. The proposed opponent is Deontay Wilder, the former world champion and one of heavyweight boxing’s best-known knockout artists.

Usyk’s associate Serhii Lapin confirmed to The Ring that work is under way to organize the fight in the United States. The agreement has not been completed, so the date and location remain unknown. The intended ending, however, is clear: Wilder is being lined up as Usyk’s last opponent.