Oleksandr Usyk confirms three-fight retirement plan ending against Tyson Fury

Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed his final three fights before retiring from professional boxing, starting with a bout against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Egypt this May and concluding with a trilogy fight against Tyson Fury.

The Ukrainian will defend his WBC world title against the Dutchman in front of the Pyramids on 23 May.

Verhoeven, a 12-year undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion, has only one professional boxing match on his record.

Following that unique crossover encounter, the two-time undisputed heavyweight ruler plans to target the winner of the upcoming domestic clash between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois.

Targeting a third undisputed crown

Usyk recently vacated one of his four world titles rather than face Wardley, who was subsequently elevated to champion status.

Wardley is scheduled to defend his newly acquired belt against Dubois just two weeks before the high-profile event in Egypt.

Securing a victory in his penultimate career bout against either Briton would allow the celebrated southpaw to reclaim his undisputed status.

That scenario would perfectly set the stage for a spectacular farewell against his greatest modern rival.

A final showdown with Fury

Usyk intends to offer Fury a third opportunity to defeat him after securing two historic victories over the British fighter in 2024.

“Rico is first, second is whoever wins between Wardley and Dubois and the third fight is my friend ‘Greedy Belly’, Tyson Fury.”

The unified heavyweight king was full of praise for his immediate opponent, despite the unprecedented nature of the May contest.

“I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport, and Rico is one of them,” Usyk explained. “He is a powerful athlete and a great champion.”

Verhoeven seeks the ultimate challenge

Usyk was quick to remind his kickboxing counterpart that the squared circle presents an entirely different set of demands.

“But this is boxing – a different game, with its own rules and its own kings,” he said. “I’m ready and really looking forward to meeting him in the ring.”

Verhoeven insists he is not looking for a comfortable transition into a new combat sport.

“Usyk is undisputed in boxing and that’s the kind of challenge that motivates me,” Verhoeven stated. “Undisputed versus undisputed, the best facing the best.”