Ukrainian boxing superstar Oleksandr Usyk has publicly revealed the definitive three-fight plan that will conclude his illustrious professional career. The undisputed heavyweight champion intends to hang up his gloves after a carefully orchestrated series of bouts designed to cement his legacy.
The Three-Fight Retirement Roadmap
In an exclusive interview with The Ring magazine, Usyk laid out his strategic exit from the sport. "Rico is first, second is whoever wins between Wardley and Dubois and third fight is my friend greedy belly, Tyson Fury," the champion stated, providing clear insight into his final ambitions in the ring.
First: The Cross-Sport Challenge
Usyk will make his return to competition on May 23rd in Egypt, where he faces a unique challenge against Rico Verhoeven. Despite Verhoeven having just one professional boxing match on his record, the Dutch fighter brings immense prestige as a legendary kickboxing champion who dominated his sport for twelve consecutive years.
"I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport," Usyk acknowledged. "Rico is one of them — a powerful athlete and a great champion. Being a champion isn’t just about belts. It’s about years of hard work, discipline, and belief. I respect his journey — he’s truly the King of Kickboxing."
Verhoeven responded with equal respect for the challenge ahead. "I spent 12 years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish. But staying at the top for that long didn’t take away the hunger, it strengthened it. I wasn’t looking for comfort, so I started looking for the highest challenge available in another world."
Notably, Usyk's WBC world title will be defended in this unconventional matchup, despite the champion having relinquished one of his four belts rather than face mandatory challenger Fabio Wardley.
Second: The Domestic Showdown
Following the Verhoeven contest, Usyk plans to face the winner of the upcoming British heavyweight clash between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois. Wardley, elevated to world champion status after Usyk vacated a belt, will defend his title against Dubois just two weeks before Usyk's May bout.
This strategic positioning allows Usyk to potentially reclaim undisputed status by defeating whichever British fighter emerges victorious, setting the stage for his grand finale.
Third: The Historic Trilogy
The culmination of Usyk's career will be a third meeting with Tyson Fury, whom he has defeated twice previously in 2024. This trilogy fight would represent Usyk's opportunity to secure undisputed heavyweight championship status for an unprecedented third time, creating a historic capstone to his remarkable career.
Usyk's reference to "my friend greedy belly" indicates the personal rivalry that has developed between the two champions, adding another layer of intrigue to what would be one of boxing's most significant modern trilogies.
Strategic Career Management
Usyk's decision to bypass Wardley as a mandatory challenger in favor of this three-fight retirement plan demonstrates careful career management. By creating a narrative arc that moves from cross-sport spectacle to domestic championship bout and finally to historic trilogy, Usyk ensures maximum attention for his final appearances.
The champion emphasized the distinction between boxing and other combat sports when discussing the Verhoeven matchup. "But this is boxing — a different game, with its own rules and its own kings. I’m ready and really looking forward to meeting him in the ring. It’s going to be a unique experience for both of us, and I know the fans are excited too. A big night is coming."
Verhoeven echoed this sentiment of elite competition, stating, "Usyk is undisputed in boxing. That’s the kind of challenge that motivates me. Undisputed versus undisputed. The best facing the best."
As Usyk prepares for this carefully constructed farewell tour, the boxing world anticipates three major events that will showcase the Ukrainian champion's skills against diverse challenges while building toward what could be a legendary final chapter in his storied career.
