Oleksandr Usyk, who turned 39 in January, has spoken about his plans to retire from boxing. The Ukrainian heavyweight champion will face Rico Verhoeven in Egypt next weekend for the WBC belt. Usyk indicated that finishing his career after three more fights would be appropriate timing. The bout represents a rare crossover between boxing and kickboxing, with Usyk facing the legendary Dutch kickboxer.
Undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has opened up about his future in the sport, saying he envisions stepping away from competition after approximately three more fights.
The Ukrainian southpaw, who turned 39 in January, made the remarks ahead of his upcoming WBC heavyweight title defense against Dutch kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in Egypt next weekend. Usyk indicated that wrapping up his career on that timeline would feel like the right moment to walk away.
The bout is a rare crossover event, pitting one of boxing's most decorated heavyweights against Verhoeven, widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight kickboxer of his generation. Crossover contests of this scale at the top of the heavyweight division remain uncommon, and the Egyptian setting adds further spectacle to an already unusual matchup.
Why it matters
- Usyk's retirement timeline gives the WBC heavyweight picture a sense of urgency, with a limited number of title defenses potentially remaining in his career.
- A loss or a strong performance by Verhoeven could reshape how boxing views crossover events at the heavyweight level.
- The fight raises broader questions about the future of the undisputed heavyweight championship and which challengers could be in line should Usyk pursue his final bouts.
With Usyk acknowledging the end of his career is within sight, each outing now carries added weight. His comments suggest the next chapter of the heavyweight division may begin sooner than many expected.
