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Oleksandr Usyk urged to take surprising next step by world title challenger

Originally posted on Bloody Knockout | By Donal Long | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 6:36 AM ET

Oleksandr Usyk reminded the world of his quality in July when he put all doubt to rest between himself and Daniel Dubois.

As Usyk knocked Dubois out in the fifth round of their bout, the Ukrainian once again unified the heavyweight division.

Now a three-time unified champion, Usyk is considered by many to be the greatest pound-for-pound star on the planet.

As well as his star power, plenty of fighters are lining up for a chance at the champion, including Joseph Parker looking to face Usyk. However, one headline star feels the fighter should go in another direction.

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Lewis Crocker campaigns for Oleksandr Usyk to retire from boxing

Lewis Crocker is set to be one half of an all-Irish affair in Northern Ireland in September, when he rematches Paddy Donovan.

The pair will compete for the IBF World Welterweight title, as their first meeting ended in a disqualification win for Crocker.

In an interview with Pro Boxing Fans, Crocker gave his thoughts on Usyk’s recent performance, and what he should do next.

When asked if there was anyone who could defeat Usyk, Crocker replied, ‘No’. The Belfast fighter then said, “Who is there for him to fight?”

“Just retire,” Crocker added. “He’s literally done everything. He’s three times undisputed, won the Olympics, won the World Series of Boxing, so, enjoy your money.”

Usyk is currently 38 years old, and made his professional debut in 2013, having started his amateur career in 2005.

Joseph Parker hoping Oleksandr Usyk honours mandatory defense of heavyweight title

As Usyk has been ordered by the WBO to defend his title against Parker, the New Zealander is definitely not one campaigning for the Ukrainian’s retirement.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Parker’s promoter David Higgins said, “Joseph is hoping and praying that Usyk will want to defend the honour of undisputed champion.”

In regard to the optimism of a potential fight between the New Zealander and the undisputed champion, Higgins said, “We haven’t given up on Usyk fighting Joseph next. A lot of people are suggesting that he won’t, but for me, that is a bit of a soft outcome if he doesn’t.”

This article first appeared on Bloody Knockout and was syndicated with permission.

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