Oleksandr Usyk lifts lid on three-fight retirement plan as Moses Itauma fight ruled out

It is a big fight for the sport, but most expect the 39-year-old Ukrainian to get through it without too much trouble. Verhoeven might be a legend in kickboxing, but this is Usyk’s world.

And with his career winding down, Usyk has laid out his final three-fight plan. Unfortunately for fans hoping to see him face 21-year-old Moses Itauma, that match-up is not on the list.

“Listen, Rico, this is first, second, it’s whoever wins (out of Fabio) Wardley vs Dubois and third fight, it’s my friend, greedy belly Tyson Fury,” Usyk told Inside The Ring.

The bout between Wardley and Dubois is set for 9 May. Whoever comes out on top will get the nod from Usyk as one of his last opponents.

Fury is not sitting still either. He is scheduled to make yet another return to the ring when he faces Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 April. It could very well be a tune-up for another chapter in his rivalry with Usyk.

Trilogy between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury lacks intrigue

When Usyk and Fury first squared off in May 2024, the Ukrainian edged out a split decision win. It was a close contest that left plenty of room for debate.

By the time they met again that December, the narrative had shifted. Usyk left no doubt, controlling the rematch from start to finish and winning convincingly on all three cards.

With that in mind, there is little appetite for a third meeting. The second fight was not particularly close, and fans seem ready to move on from this chapter.