Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed to Mail Sport that he has two opponents in mind for what will be the final fight of his illustrious boxing career – and his clear preference is a showdown with Tyson Fury.
The Ukrainian star, who will defend his undisputed heavyweight crown against Daniel Dubois in a highly anticipated rematch at Wembley Stadium on July 19, sat down with us following the fight announcement.
Usyk, 37, has previously stated he plans to have just two more bouts before retiring from boxing: first against Dubois, and then one final clash before hanging up his gloves for good.
When asked who that final opponent might be, Usyk revealed the two options on the table are Anthony Joshua and Fury – but made no secret of the fact he would rather meet “The Gypsy King” one more time.
The boxing icon and co-founder of Ready to Fight said: ‘Right now my focus is on Daniel Dubois and that is what I am working towards. But, for my last fight, I have two options. Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.’
When asked which boxer he would prefer to face out of the two British heavyweights, Usyk said: ‘Tyson Fury,’ with a smirk on his face.
Oleksandr Usyk will face Daniel Dubois in a highly-anticipated rematch later this year
Usyk won the undisputed crown by beating Tyson Fury before vacating the IBF title to take part in the rematch, with Dubois taking the belt
Usyk has twice beaten Anthony Joshua to hand the British fighter his second and third losses
The timing of Usyk’s comments is particularly intriguing given that Fury – who had announced his retirement for a fourth time earlier this year after back-to-back defeats to Usyk – released a video on his Instagram today hinting at a potential comeback.
In the clip, Fury is seen back in the gym alongside his trainer SugarHill Steward, declaring to fans, “You know what’s coming.” Fury has reportedly been training twice daily in recent months despite previously insisting he was done with the sport.
Their rivalry remains one of the most compelling in heavyweight history. Usyk defeated Fury in a historic undisputed title clash last May and then beat him again in a December rematch, firmly establishing himself as the division’s king.
Usyk’s upcoming clash with Dubois promises to be a thrilling affair, reigniting tensions after their controversial first meeting in Poland last August, when a Dubois body shot that floored Usyk was ruled a low blow.
Usyk ultimately stopped Dubois in the ninth round of their fight, but bad blood has lingered ever since.
If Usyk successfully defends his titles again at Wembley this summer, the prospect of a trilogy bout with Fury or Joshua looms large for the final chapter of a legendary career.
For now, Usyk has made his preference clear: he wants to finish his career by facing Fury once again.
