Taras Shelestyuk: "Next is Heaney, then Garcia". The undefeated veteran on the WBO title and the dream of the 2028 Olympics

Summer 2026 became a landmark year for Ukrainian boxer Taras Shelestyuk. In the welterweight division (up to 69 kg), the veteran of Ukrainian boxing and 2011 World Championship gold medalist finally solidified his status in professional boxing by winning the WBO International title. This belt became Shelestyuk's first since 2016, when he held the WBA Intercontinental and WBO NABO titles. The victory in Cancun, where the fight took place, was not just another success but a starting point for ambitious plans to return to the elite of world boxing.

Goal number one: Devin Heaney

Immediately after winning the belt, Shelestyuk did not shy away and outlined a clear vector for the development of his career. The Ukrainian's main goal for the near future became the reigning WBO world champion in the welterweight division — American Devin Heaney. According to the Ukrainian boxer, the won title should significantly improve his positions in the world rankings and open the way to fights with top opponents. "This title should lift me into the top 10 of the WBO rankings, and then we will move step by step. We are already working on organizing a fight against Devin Heaney. I hope WBO will oblige Heaney to fight me," Shelestyuk noted in an interview after the fight. For Heaney, who is one of the brightest representatives of the division, a fight with an undefeated veteran could be an excellent test before other loud confrontations.

Future plan: Garcia and Lopez

However, Taras's ambitions are not limited to just one loud name. The Ukrainian emphasized that he does not intend to stop at one poster, demonstrating readiness for difficult fights with the best boxers in the division. The list of desired opponents includes such stars as Erickson Garcia and Teofimo Lopez. "Devin Heaney is next. Then Garcia, Lopez. Right now there are many good boxers in my weight class. There is someone to box and someone to beat," the athlete added. This approach shows that Shelestyuk sees himself not just as a contender, but as a full-fledged player at the highest level, capable of competing with any star of the division.

Philosophy of the 40-year-old champion

Particular interest is aroused by the boxer's age. In 2026, Taras Shelestyuk turns 40, which in boxing is considered a solid age. However, the veteran claims to be in his best shape right now. He emphasizes that a professional approach and huge experience give him an advantage over younger opponents. "I am always in my best shape because I am a professional in my field and I approach every fight and every opponent as a championship bout. And at 40, I have significantly more experience, and this gives me even more strength, confidence, and understanding of boxing," the boxer summarized. On the professional ring, his statistics remain impeccable: 22 wins and one draw, without a single loss.

Dream of Los Angeles 2028

In addition to professional ambitions, Shelestyuk voiced a sporting dream that might seem unexpected for a pro of this level. He expressed a desire to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. For a boxer who is already a bronze medalist of the 2012 London Olympics and was part of the legendary Ukrainian team along with Oleksandr Usyk, Vasyl Lomachenko, and Oleksandr Gvozdyk, this would be a unique achievement — competing in the Games 16 years after his first medal.