Heavyweight champion Usyk hints at retirement from boxing

World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has revealed he intends to fight two more times before retiring from boxing.

The 38-year-old Ukrainian, who remains undefeated, confirmed that one of those fights will be against the winner of the upcoming Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker clash later this month.

Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in almost 25 years after defeating Tyson Fury last May to claim all four major heavyweight titles. He later vacated the IBF belt but still holds the WBC, WBA, and WBO championships after his rematch victory over Fury.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Usyk outlined his retirement timeline:

“I think two years, one and a half left in boxing. I feel great myself. I feel I have two fights to prepare for, not more. Just two.”

He added: “I will fight (who wins) Joseph Parker, Daniel Dubois, no problem.”

Dubois, who currently holds the IBF title, was previously defeated by Usyk in 2023 and is eager for a rematch—if he can first overcome Parker in Riyadh on February 22.

“I’m just getting better, improving,” Dubois told Sky Sports. “They say when you win a world title, you improve. So I feel like that’s what’s happening with me. I’m ready to show what I can do again and conquer whoever they put in front of me.”