Usyk's Retirement Roadmap Faces Potential Fury U-Turn
Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has suggested he might abandon his planned trilogy fight with British rival Tyson Fury, despite previously naming Fury as his intended final opponent before retirement. The two-time undisputed world champion has outlined a three-fight retirement plan, but mandatory obligations could force a significant reshuffle of his schedule.
Three-Fight Farewell Tour Announced
Usyk recently revealed his intention to fight three more times before hanging up his gloves. His roadmap begins with a May title defense against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven, marking his first bout since knocking out Daniel Dubois last summer. The second fight would be against the winner of the upcoming Fabio Wardley versus Daniel Dubois matchup, with the third and final contest earmarked for a third meeting with Tyson Fury.
"Rico is first, second is whoever wins between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois and the third fight is my friend 'Greedy Belly', Tyson Fury," Usyk told The Ring magazine earlier this month. The Ukrainian defeated Fury twice in 2024, though Fury maintains he was unjustly denied victory in both encounters.
Mandatory Challenge Threatens Fury Trilogy
However, Usyk's carefully crafted plan faces disruption from mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel, whom the champion will be ordered to face after the Verhoeven bout. In comments to the Daily Mail, Usyk admitted his trilogy with Fury might not materialize, stating he could instead fight Kabayel to fulfill his obligations.
"Maybe I will fight Kabayel, maybe I don't face Tyson Fury for a third time, and I fight Kabayel instead," Usyk explained. "I only say my plan, but that is not set in stone. I understand the Agit fans are saying you must fight him. But I don't have to fight him. I must live my life, I must look after my team, my children. Maybe it's possible I fight Agit. He's a great fighter, and he's very smart."
Fury Confident Usyk Will Come Begging
Tyson Fury, who fights Arslanbek Makhmudov next month, remains convinced Usyk will ultimately plead for a third fight. The British boxer continues to assert he was robbed in their two previous meetings, using colorful language to express his frustration.
"Dick Turpin wore a mask when he was robbing people. I got robbed in broad daylight with the world watching," Fury told Sky Sports. "He'll be begging for a trilogy by the end of the year. There's no one for him to fight to make any money. There's only the GK, the big man. I'm the man, with or without belts. With or without money, I'm still the man. With or without belts, I'm still the man. You know - why? Because I'm the biggest fish in the pond."
The uncertainty surrounding Usyk's final fights adds intrigue to the heavyweight division, with the champion's retirement plans now potentially excluding the blockbuster Fury trilogy many fans anticipated. Whether Usyk sticks to his original roadmap or adapts to mandatory challenges will become clearer after his May bout against Verhoeven.
