It was possible to convince Alexander Usyk to change his three-fight plan, which could potentially distract him from the fight with the winner of the Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois fight.

The Ukrainian outlined his exit strategy in March, shortly after announcing he would clash with Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven on May 23.

This will be Usyk’s first appearance since July, when he became a three-time undisputed champion by defeating Dubois in the fifth round.

He has since vacated the WBO title but still holds the IBF, WBA and WBC belts as he prepares to defend the latter against Verhoeven at Egypt’s Giza Pyramids.

The 39-year-old then expressed his desire to face the winner of the Wardley-Dubois tournament, which will take place on May 9 at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.

Wardley was promoted from “interim” to full WBO world champion after an 11th-round triumph over Joseph Parker, who suffered a nasty defeat in October.

If he is victorious next Saturday, the 31-year-old does not hide that his goal will be a potential undisputed clash with Usyk.

However, there is a good chance that the WBC will order Usyk to defend his heavyweight title against Agit Kabayel, who holds the sanctioning body’s “interim” belt.

At the same time, The Ring’s Mike Coppinger reported the news Turki Alalshikh is willing to negotiate a fight between them in Germany, Kabayel’s homeland.

Turki Alalshikh plans to meet with Oleksandr Usyk to discuss Ring magazine’s heavyweight title fight against Agit Kabayel later this year in Germany if Usyk defeats Rico Verhoeven on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza, The Ring’s @MikeCoppinger he learned. pic.twitter.com/etrhMhSRVi

— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) May 3, 2026

After Kabayel hasn’t fought since January’s third-round defeat of Damian Knyba, Kabayel’s next fight will likely take place in the second half of this year, regardless of whether it involves Usyk.

Speaking at the ring, Benavidez directly asked the audience if they wanted to see him fight Canelo Alvarez, indicating that Canelo was in attendance. The reaction was clamorous and Benavidez leaned into it, saying this fight shouldn’t be left on the table.

“I have respect for Canelo. He is a great champion, but I am also a great champion. Let’s do it,” Benavidez said.

The explanation was not constrained to one name. When asked about what comes next, Benavidez also took aim at Dmitry Bivol, calling him the best opponent he wants.

“Bivol is number one on my hit list,” he said. “He’s a great fighter, a great champion, but I’m also a great champion. I just want to prove myself in every fight.”

Benavidez said he is open to fighting in different weight classes, noting he still holds the airy heavyweight title after his first cruiserweight fight. This flexibility leaves multiple paths open, depending on which opponent is willing.

Benavidez delivered on Cinco de Mayo weekend, traditionally one of boxing’s biggest stages, and he did so immediately after a high-profile victory.

It is unclear whether either fight will take place. Benavidez has been linked to Canelo in the past without any progress, while Bivol remains one of the top fighters at 175 pounds.

Still, Benavidez made his position clear. He wants the biggest fights available and immediately after winning he notified two of the sport’s top champions.

The distance between Canelo and Benavidez has never been greater. Benavidez just unified the cruiserweight titles, while Canelo Alvarez prepares to fight Christian Mbilli at super middleweight. That’s a 32-pound difference, which is an ocean in boxing.

Canelo is 35 years senior and going through a challenging period. The loss to Terence Crawford, elbow surgery and a year off mean we are no longer looking at the top-flight Canelo.

If Benavidez wants to be a “monster” at 200 pounds, calling out Jai Opetaia is a true alpha move. Opetaia is the king of the division and just secured the Zuffa Boxing title against Brandon Glanton. Benavidez vs. Opetaia would be a pure “Best vs. Best” fight without the drama of losing 30 pounds and the “chasing a paycheck” optics.

Benavidez, however, knows that Canelo’s name is the only one that guarantees a specific type of immortality and powerful control. Calling him on Cinco de Mayo weekend, with Canelo in the front row, was intended to keep his name attached to the sport’s biggest star, even if logistics made it nearly impossible.

Jaime Munguia defeated Armando Resendiz to win the WBA super middleweight world title at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas as former opponent turned training partner Saul “Canelo” Alvarez shouted encouragement from ringside.

Alvarez had held the WBA belt since 2020, but lost that and three other major titles to Terence Crawford last September. When Crawford retired, the belts were separated and Resendiz – who received the WBA interim belt after an upset victory over Caleb Plant – was promoted to full champion.

He made his first defense tonight against former super welterweight champion Munguia, who previously fought for the 168 title, losing to Canelo in 2024. After the defeat, the 29-year-old Mexican joined forces with coach Eddy Reynoso and took advantage of his former rival’s advice during the camp.

This continued in the ring tonight as Canelo shouted instructions to Munguia as the challenger comprehensively outplayed Resendiz, whose defense was ineffective and despite his valiant shot-making, he was thoroughly outworked throughout. Ultimately, Munguia won the title with scores of 117-111, 119-109 and 120-108.

It’s the latest twist in a division that was left wide open following Crawford’s retirement and the dispersal of the titles. The IBF belt was received by Cuban boxer Osleys Iglesiaswhile the WBO title fight will take place at the end of this month between Hamzah Sheeraz and Al Begic.

The WBC is held by former interim champion Christian Mbilli, who will defend against the returning Canelo in Saudi Arabia in September. If the Mexican icon picks up the belt again, there is now an awkward obstacle to regaining undisputed prominence. status