Oleksandr Usyk has stated that he feels at peace with his decision to hang up his gloves, also confirming that he will be sticking to the previously reported three-fight retirement plan.
Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs), the current IBF, WBA and WBC heavyweight world champion, will meet kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in another extravagant Ring Magazine card at the Pyramids of Giza on May 23. Following a predicted routine win against the Dutchman, Usyk has said that he would like to face the winner between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, who contest for the WBO belt on May 9. The Ukrainian superstar added that he wants to end his career in a trilogy bout with Tyson Fury in 2027, in an interview with Ring Magazine.
“Three days ago, I thought about this date,” Usyk told Daily Mail Boxing regarding his impending retirement. “How I say… and what I say? Listen, it’s close.”
Mandatory challengers are constantly piling up for 39-year-old southpaw, currently under pressure from WBA and WBC interim champions Murat Gassiev and Agit Kabayel to fight or vacate his respective championship belts.
“Now, I’m enjoying what I do,” Usyk added.
When asked if he was emotional about ending his career, he responded: “No, no. I’m just hot in my heart and cold in my mind.”
Meanwhile, Fury returned to action after a brief retirement to comfortably outpoint Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11. Fury’s three fight plan first includes a long-awaited domestic showdown with Anthony Joshua followed by a redemption match against Usyk.
Usyk’s storied career has seen him win a gold medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games and become an undisputed cruiserweight champion in 15 professional bouts. The Ukrainian has also become undisputed champion twice at heavyweight but has come under criticism for fighting Verhoeven (1-0) due to having very little boxing experience.
Usyk has expressed an interest in becoming the President of Ukraine and is currently trying his hand as a boxing promoter under the banner Usyk 17, promoting a show in his homeland on March 21.
