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Oleksandr Usyk has opted to end his world title reign, but will fight one more time before his expected retirement from the sport.
His team essentially canceled a trilogy fight with Tyson Fury before his career ended.
Says Sergey Lapin, CEO of USIC’s promotional agency Ready to Fight Sky Sports: “I don’t really see much point in it. Oleksandr has already beaten Tyson Fury twice and answered every question inside the ring.
“I believe that chapter has closed, and that fight no longer carries the same level of interest today.”
Usic’s final world title fight was against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven. Although Usyk’s late stoppage victory sparked much controversy, a potential rematch with Verhoeven is considered unlikely.
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Oleksandr Usyk survived an incredible performance from kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven as the fight was stopped with seconds remaining in the eleventh round. Highlights courtesy of DAZN and Ring Magazine.
“It’s possible. But honestly, I’m not sure it’s the fight the fans are looking for today,” Lapine said.
Usyk has previously expressed interest in fighting Deontay Wilder, the high profile former world champion from Alabama. A bout with Usyk is something that Wilder has also eyed.
Usyk-Wilder will likely be staged in America. Usyk, however, harbors dreams of boxing one last time in his Ukrainian homeland. That has become impossible for the former Olympian and undisputed champion since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
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Dana White has not dismissed suggestions that Oleksandr Usyk’s farewell fight against Deontay Wilder could be promoted by Zuffa.
“Both Saudi Arabia and the United States are outstanding venues for major events. But if we talk about dreams, it would definitely be Ukraine,” Lapin said.
Now established as a boxing great, Usyk has won every major title in the sport, amateur and professional. He is planning for the future beyond the ropes.
“Family will always come first for Alexander. After his career, he wants to spend more time with his loved ones, continue to help Ukraine, contribute to the development of sports in his country and create opportunities for the next generation of Ukrainian athletes,” Lapin said.
“This mission is just as important to him as what he achieves inside the ring.”
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Andy Scott is joined by Hamzah Shiraz and Tony Sims as they discuss Oleksandr Usyk’s much talked about stoppage win over Rico Verhoeven.
Wilder on Usyk
Deontay Wilder said earlier Sky Sports Why he wanted to fight Usyk: “He’s one of the best of the era. I need him to do what I need to do.
“It can and will happen. As long as I have the confidence to do it, it will happen.
“I must fulfill what I set out to do at the beginning of my career.”
