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Should Usyk Hang Up His Gloves?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jul 26, 2025 2:45 AM ET

Oleksandr Usyk has reached the pinnacle in the sport of boxing, as we consider what is next.

Usyk secured a dominant fifth-round knockout over Daniel Dubois in his last fight to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World. It was the second time he had become undisputed at heavyweight, adding to his list of other accomplishments: an Olympic gold and an undisputed reign at cruiserweight.

With an unblemished 24-0 record, the 38-year-old Ukrainian now finds himself at a crossroads. Usyk has nothing left to prove, although he has been ordered to face his WBO mandatory, Joseph Parker. Parker also called for the fight following Usyk’s win, as the latter reacted by stating that he wanted to take some time off before he decides his next move.

A possible trilogy bout with Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua has also been mentioned. He’s already beaten both Fury and Joshua twice, decisively. A third fight with either lacks the hype or the reason since Fury nor Joshua never looked like they had troubled Usyk for an extensive amount of time.

Even a potential rematch with Derek Chisora—who Usyk once described as his toughest opponent at heavyweight—feels unnecessary. Chisora is looking for one more fight, as a domestic clash would make more sense for him. If Usyk walks away now, he finishes his career as one of the best of all time. A further fight risks his undefeated record when he has nothing else to prove. Usyk did say that it was more discipline rather than the motivation which prepared him for the Dubois fight, meaning it may be the right time to walk away from the sport.

“When I wake up early for training I never have motivation. I have only discipline. Motivation is needed only for amateur sportsmen – not for professional boxers. Amateur boxers might only work three times in a week. They say: ‘Oh, but today I don’t have motivation for training.’ Uh-uh. No, bro. Motivation is good but discipline is better. Now I want to rest. I cannot say who my next opponent will be. I prepare for three and a half months. I don’t see my family, my wife. Every day I live with my team, with 14 guys, in one house [he laughed again in mock despair]. Every day only the same faces. Now I want to go back home,” Usyk said

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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