Oleksandr Usyk has cemented himself as the best of a generation, but, after an uncharacteristic display against Rico Verhoeven last month, fans may have seen the last of the undefeated Ukrainian.
Usyk had previously planned to have two more contests after his clash with Verhoeven, but a closer-than-anticipated contest against the Dutch kickboxer has seemingly made the unified heavyweight world champion reconsider his exit strategy.
Should he continue, it seems as though a fight with WBC mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel would be next, or a possible rematch against Verhoeven should he choose to drop the WBC belt.
Speaking with Snabbare, Director of Team Usyk, Sergey Lapin, admitted the champion will only accept a fight with Kabayel if there is ‘serious commercial structure’ behind it, before opening up on the idea of Usyk’s retirement – with a decision set to be made later this week.
“Nothing personal and nothing emotional will prevent this fight from happening with Agit. But if there is no serious commercial structure behind the fight, then it becomes difficult to justify.
“If the right opportunity presents itself, the fight can happen. If not, there are other paths and other major opportunities available.
“Oleksandr has earned the right to carefully evaluate every option. We are speaking with different parties and considering all opportunities. A decision will be made by the end of this week, and everyone will know where we stand. Clarity is coming very soon.
“But one thing people should remember: when a fighter has achieved everything Oleksandr has achieved, every appearance becomes special. It is possible that fans have already seen him in the ring for the last time. Or maybe there is still one more chapter left. We will know very soon.”
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