Former Usyk Sparring Partner Names Stylistically Difficult Opponent for Oleksandr

British heavyweight David Allen, who previously served as a sparring partner for three-time undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk, has shared his thoughts on who would be a stylistically challenging opponent for the Ukrainian.

“Usyk is the greatest fighter of all time, but I don’t think he’s exceptionally good on the inside. I don’t think he’s very good in that pocket between the inside and mid-range. The only person who can work there is Fabio Wardley. He is extremely dangerous and tough. But he lacks the experience and the knowledge of how to do it.

We’ve seen that Joshua and Dubois aren't capable of doing it. I think Kabayel is the only one who can. Kabayel is fresh enough. I know Zhilei Zhang dropped him, but he got back up. Stylistically, Kabayel is very awkward for Usyk,” Allen said.

Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) holds the full WBC world title, while Kabayel (27-0, 19 KOs) is the interim champion. Following his victory over Damian Knyba on January 10, Agit asked the arena to name his next opponent—the crowd responded by chanting Oleksandr Usyk’s name.

The Ukrainian champion has requested and received permission from the WBC to conduct a voluntary title defense. His opponent is likely to be Deontay Wilder, with negotiations reportedly aiming for a date in late April or early May 2026 in the United States.