Oleksandr Usyk appears ready to prolong his legendary boxing career after seemingly tearing up earlier retirement plans. Before knocking out Daniel Dubois for the second time in their July rematch, the 38-year-old Ukrainian suggested he had only one fight left in the ring.
However, Usyk has now indicated that retirement is no longer imminent. Speaking to Ring Magazine, the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion revealed: “I think two or three fights more.”
Previously, Usyk had hinted that his final boxing appearance could be followed by a crossover MMA bout against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Since then, Paul has suffered a sixth-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua, a bout that also left him with a broken jaw.
Usyk has recently vacated his WBO world title, allowing Britain’s Fabio Wardley to be elevated from interim champion after his win over Joseph Parker. The move frees Usyk to pursue other high-profile challenges, and one name stands out at the top of his list.
“I want a fight with Deontay Wilder,” Usyk reiterated, calling out the former WBC heavyweight champion.
Usyk’s manager, Egis Klimas, confirmed that negotiations between the two camps are already underway. According to Klimas, discussions are focused on a potential multi-fight agreement, with the bout against Deontay Wilder likely to take place in the United States.
“We’re looking at Las Vegas or Los Angeles, and dates are the end of April or the beginning of May,” Klimas said. “Wilder is one of the best names Oleksandr hasn’t faced yet. He’s still in good shape, still a fighter, and that makes him very interesting. And, of course, it’s the United States.”
If finalized, the clash would mark one of the most intriguing heavyweight matchups in recent years and could signal that Oleksandr Usyk’s remarkable career is far from over.
