Boxing's Heavyweight Crowns: Who Holds What Ahead of Fury-Joshua Mega Fight

The year 2026 is proving to be a monumental one for heavyweight boxing, with the highly anticipated clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua still on the horizon. Scheduled for December 11 in Cardiff, this bout will cap off a year that has seen significant shifts within the sport's premier division, following years of eager anticipation for this particular matchup.

Key changes were set in motion when Oleksandr Usyk, after achieving undisputed champion status for the second time, decided to vacate his belts. This move has paved the way for three new champions to emerge across various sanctioning bodies. The upcoming Fury vs. Joshua encounter is expected to add another boxer to the exclusive list of three-time heavyweight world champions, a development eagerly awaited in the early hours of December 12.

Let’s delve into the current landscape of heavyweight titles as of October 2026, especially after the Daniel Dubois vs. Fabio Wardley rematch:

**WBC: Agit Kabayel (27-0)**

German boxer Agit Kabayel, 34, now proudly holds the coveted green and gold WBC belt. He ascended to this position after Usyk relinquished all the sanctioning body titles he had unified. Kabayel is set to make his inaugural defense of the belt against Albanian powerhouse Nelson Hysa (25-0) in Dusseldorf on November 28.

**WBA: Vacant (Fury vs. Joshua Winner)**

This is where the title picture becomes particularly intricate, directly involving Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. The WBA operates with two distinct titles: a 'regular' and a 'super' champion. Our focus here is on the 'super' title, which currently stands vacant, while Russia’s Murat Gassiev holds the 'regular' strap. Crucially, this vacant WBA 'super' title will be contested when Fury and Joshua meet in Wales on December 11. This means that, barring an unlikely draw, one of them will be crowned a three-time world heavyweight champion.

**IBF: Filip Hrgovic (21-1)**

Croatian fighter Filip Hrgovic, 34, secured the vacant IBF strap in August following an electrifying and arduous contest against the exceptionally talented Moses Itauma in London. In a gripping battle, 'El Animal' displayed remarkable resilience and an iron chin, enduring Itauma's relentless assault for much of the fight, arguably losing eight of nine rounds. However, Hrgovic’s immense heart and formidable chopping right hand ultimately prevailed as Itauma's energy waned, allowing the Croat to seize the world heavyweight championship. Discussions are now underway for a potential unification bout with Daniel Dubois, who handed Hrgovic his only professional defeat back in 2024.

**WBO: Daniel Dubois (24-3)**

Already a two-time heavyweight champion, Daniel Dubois, 29, is increasingly seen as a significant force in the division's future. His recent dominant two-round victory over Fabio Wardley marked consecutive wins against the Ipswich man, showcasing 'Dynamite' in brilliant form. His combination of speed, power, and aggressive intentions makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone. While a rematch with Hrgovic presents an enticing prospect, the boxing world is eager to see him face any elite rival. Despite his youth, Dubois possesses considerable experience and all the necessary physical attributes, having also made a strong comeback from challenging losses to Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk.

**Ring Magazine: Oleksandr Usyk (25-0)**

Oleksandr Usyk, 39, remains the Ring magazine champion, having given up his other alpha belts. He is currently on a retirement tour, and the boxing community awaits news on who his next opponent will be. A potential showdown with the hard-hitting American Deontay Wilder is reportedly a possibility.

**Lineal Heavyweight Champion: Oleksandr Usyk (25-0)**

While not represented by a physical belt, the lineal championship is often considered the most meaningful title, bestowed upon 'the man who beat the man.' Usyk earned this prestigious moniker when he defeated Tyson Fury in their first encounter in May 2024, and he has maintained this status ever since. He will continue to hold it until another fighter conclusively defeats him in the ring.