At 41, most heavyweights are chasing one last payday. However, Albanian brute Nelson Hysa is chasing a title.
The heavyweight contender is 24-0 with 22 knockouts — a 91% KO ratio that isn’t normal at any age, let alone later in your career. He also sits at number four in the WBA rankings as of January 2026.
That puts him within reach of a belt and makes him impossible to ignore, even if he isn’t a headline name.
The problem is, at 41, he doesn’t have the luxury of waiting for the division to sort itself out.
Rankings don’t make you elite; they just give you a seat at the table.
Built On Activity, Not Hype
Hysa didn’t jump the ladder with one lucky win. He forced his way up it by staying active and knocking people out.
He has stopped his last 18 opponents. Twenty of his wins came against fighters who entered with winning records. Several were unbeaten.
That’s not a résumé built on opponents brought in simply to pad a record. But what’s missing is clear: there’s no top-level contender on the record yet.
Some will question the number four ranking with the World Boxing Association, but Hysa doesn’t have time to win over doubters slowly.
The Two Realistic Paths
Hysa holds the WBO Global title. Despite the name, it’s a regional belt. It keeps him relevant in that organization’s rankings, but it doesn’t guarantee anything.
If he stays on that route, an eliminator is the only serious play. Oleksandr Usyk picking him for a voluntary is unlikely. An ordered fight would be the clean path forward, if the opportunity arises.
The most realistic option sits with the WBA. Usyk is the Super champion, while Murat Gassiev holds the WBA “World” title. If Hysa is going to get a shot soon, that secondary belt is the more reasonable target.
Whether it materializes is another question. Heavyweights with high knockout rates are rarely the easiest voluntary to agree to.
Time Is The Real Opponent
At 41, Hysa doesn’t have two years to wait for politics to untangle themselves.
He has done what he can at his level: stay active, collect belts, and keep stopping opponents. The next fight has to answer the only question left — can he do it against a recognized top ten heavyweight?
Sparring against Tyson Fury strengthens his case, and the Albanian Eagle is waiting for the right moment.
“21 rounds with the King. 15 full rounds of sparring with Tyson Fury — a champion inside and outside the ring,” said Hysa of their sessions in late 2025.
“Today was work, today was a test, because when you stand in front of the very best, you learn exactly how ready you are for the throne.
“My promise to all Albanians: we’re on the right path to the world title. Work, heart, dedication. The Albanian Eagle does not stop.”
If he gets that opportunity, his power makes him a live threat against anyone. If he doesn’t, this run risks becoming a ranking story rather than a title one.
He’s in position, but the fight has to come soon.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
