Oleksandr Usyk reveals his final three fights before retirement
Oleksandr Usyk has outlined his final three fights before retirement, starting with a bout against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven.
Ukrainian boxing star Oleksandr Usyk has announced plans for his final three fights prior to retirement. He will begin his farewell tour in May against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in Egypt. This match comes after Usyk controversially gave up one of his heavyweight titles instead of facing British fighter Fabio Wardley, who has now been elevated to champion status. Notably, Usyk is looking to reclaim his position as the undisputed heavyweight world champion for a third time.
Following the Verhoeven fight, Usyk has indicated that he aims to fight the winner of the upcoming bout between Wardley and Daniel Dubois, which will take place two weeks prior. This strategy demonstrates Usyk's commitment to solidifying his legacy in the heavyweight division as he prepares for his eventual retirement. His career has seen him reign twice as the undisputed heavyweight champion, and this final trilogy seeks to cement that legacy further.
The crowning jewel of Usyk's farewell plan is a much-anticipated trilogy match against British heavyweight Tyson Fury. Having previously fought Fury twice in 2024, where Usyk managed to emerge victorious on both occasions, this third matchup represents a significant chapter in boxing history. Usyk’s confidence is apparent as he affectionately refers to Fury as 'Greedy Belly', hinting at the personal nature of their rivalry. As these fights unfold, they hold considerable implications for not only Usyk's future but also for the heavyweight boxing landscape as a whole.