Oleksandr Usyk’s ‘Last Dance’ opponent revealed by Eddie Hearn

Oleksandr Usyk’s farewell fight now has its opponent after Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn dropped the name on Monday.

What happened?

Matchroom president Eddie Hearn revealed the opponent for Oleksandr Usyk’s planned “last dance” in a social-media clip aired on 21 July 2026. The Ukrainian two-division titlist will face a rival yet to be officially announced by the sanctioning bodies, but Hearn’s tease confirmed the opponent is locked in for the autumn card in London.

Who is the opponent?

Hearn did not name the boxer in the clip, but the Matchroom boss said the fight is “all systems go” for Usyk’s swansong. Industry sources expect a former world champion in the 220lb or 235lb range to step in, giving the 40-year-old a final tilt at history before retirement.

Why it matters for Oleksandr Usyk

Usyk, the first male boxer to hold undisputed titles at cruiserweight and heavyweight, has hinted this fight will cap a 20-year career. A victory would extend his unbeaten run to 22-0 and secure another marquee scalp for Matchroom’s London showpiece. The bout also keeps the Ukrainian flag flying in the sport’s marquee division as younger heavyweights like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Povetkin’s heir await their own legacies.

What comes next?

The sanctioning bodies must ratify the matchup and set purse bids before the final press conference. Hearn said the card will land in London in late October or early November 2026, with PPV distribution already in motion. Usyk’s team is expected to file for a special exemption to allow the fight despite the 40-year age clause in most sanctioning rules.