Oleksandr Usyk has chosen to end his world title reign, but will fight once more before his expected retirement from the sport.
His team have essentially ruled out a trilogy fight with Tyson Fury before the end of his career.
Sergey Lapin, the CEO of Usyk’s promotional company Ready To Fight, told 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 is closed, and today that fight no longer carries the same level of interest.”
Usyk’s final world title fight was against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven. Although Usyk’s late stoppage victory has prompted much debate 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 waved off 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 that fans are looking for today,” Lapin said.
Usyk has previously expressed an interest in fighting Deontay Wilder, the high profile former world champion from Alabama. A contest with Usyk is something Wilder has targeted, too.
Zuffa Boxing could be open to staging Usyk vs Wilder, with promoter Dana White hinting: “Anything is possible.”
Usyk-Wilder would most likely be held in America, though Usyk does still harbour a dream of boxing one last time in his Ukrainian homeland. That has been impossible for the former Olympic and undisputed champion since Russia launched its full scale invasion of Ukraine.
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Dana White did not dismiss suggestions that Oleksandr Usyk’s farewell fight against Deontay Wilder could be promoted by Zuffa
“Saudi Arabia and the United States are both outstanding venues for major events. But if we’re talking about a dream, it would undoubtedly be Ukraine,” Lapin said.
Established now as a boxing great, Usyk has won every major title in the sport, amateur and professional. He is planning for a future beyond the ropes.
“Family will always come first for Oleksandr. After his career, he wants to spend more time with his loved ones, continue helping Ukraine, contribute to the development of sport in his country, and create opportunities for the next generation of Ukrainian athletes,” Lapin said.
“That mission is just as important to him as everything he achieved inside the ring.”
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Andy Scott is joined by Hamzah Sheeraz and Tony Sims as they discuss Oleksandr Usyk’s much-talked-about stoppage victory over Rico Verhoeven
Wilder on Usyk
Previously Deontay Wilder told Sky Sports why he wanted to fight Usyk: “He’s one of the best in the era. I do need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish.
“It can happen and it will happen. As long as I have the confidence to do what I have to do, it will happen.
“I must accomplish what I set forth in the beginning of my career.”
