Usyk maintains his status as the unified titleholder, possessing the WBC, WBA, and IBF championships. The WBO title he previously held has since been relinquished, initiating some shifts among the top contenders. The current champion has also indicated a potential retirement from the sport within the upcoming year. This impending career conclusion also affects Fury and Anthony Joshua, both of whom faced defeat twice at Usyk’s hands and are scheduled for a bout later this year.
Despite the emergence of new contenders, Crawford’s perspective continues to emphasize the seasoned fighters. Wardley, at 31 years old, has secured a global championship and is anticipated to maintain a busy schedule. Daniel Dubois is slated to contend for the WBO championship this month, and Kabayel is positioned to vie for the WBC title, contingent on how the governing organizations address Usyk’s championship standing.
Fury recently made his comeback after a hiatus exceeding a year, subsequent to his second defeat against Usyk, securing a points victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov. His showing garnered varied opinions due to the caliber of his opponent and the absence of a knockout, yet Crawford’s assessment implies he still considers Fury a significant presence among the elite.
Joshua is slated for an upcoming match against Kristian Prenga, an engagement that has somewhat dampened discussions about an immediate clash with Fury, prompting both athletes to consider temporary matchups prior to securing a more significant confrontation.
Itauma, at 21, remains a frequently discussed prospect for future contention, though Crawford’s viewpoint underscores the enduring dominance of the current top-tier fighters in the division, even as discussions of retirement and title changes start to create opportunities for emerging talent.
