Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven | DAZN - May 23, 2026

[Jaywheel]

Nah it's pretty gay.

[Sendo Takeshi]

So is this a straight boxing match?

I believe both of them are, yes.

The rules are strictly boxing as well (no hybrid rules). Usyk is getting destroyed everywhere online for that. He isn't even the people's number one on BoxRec anymore.

Imagine completing boxing and taking just one legacy fight, only for everyone to suddenly hate you for it. Many people were fine with Wilder, and I’d argue that’s the more interesting fight anyway.
Even Agit is fine with it.

[jamesmcdonnell]

So is this a straight boxing match?

I believe both of them are, yes.

The rules are strictly boxing as well (no hybrid rules). Usyk is getting destroyed everywhere online for that. He isn't even the people's number one on BoxRec anymore.

Imagine completing boxing and taking just one legacy fight, only for everyone to suddenly hate you for it. Many people were fine with Wilder, and I’d argue that’s the more interesting fight anyway.
Even Agit is fine with it.

The wilder fight was also shite.

I think it's time for Usyk to fornicate off - if he's just going to hold the belts hostage.

If Wardley beats Dubois, which i think he might, fight him, and retire.

He's made a fortune, so just piss off and let the next gen come through.

I love Usyk, but if he wants to fight exhibition bouts, he should retire.

[skanksta]

It's so stupid, but let them make their money.
I can't hate Usyk for it and this Rico guy probably never made any cash either.

[gilgamesh]

This isn't an Exhibition bout, and it's not a joke and it's not a game, and it's not a gimme. When that bell rings. You're gonna know Rico Verhoeven is as serious as a heart attack.

I already know it.

Usyk is no fool. He knows it too.

[joshj909]

So is this a straight boxing match?

I believe both of them are, yes.

The rules are strictly boxing as well (no hybrid rules). Usyk is getting destroyed everywhere online for that. He isn't even the people's number one on BoxRec anymore.

Imagine completing boxing and taking just one legacy fight, only for everyone to suddenly hate you for it. Many people were fine with Wilder, and I’d argue that’s the more interesting fight anyway.
Even Agit is fine with it.

The wilder fight was also shite.

I think it's time for Usyk to fornicate off - if he's just going to hold the belts hostage.

If Wardley beats Dubois, which i think he might, fight him, and retire.

He's made a fortune, so just piss off and let the next gen come through.

I love Usyk, but if he wants to fight exhibition bouts, he should retire.

There has also been nothing stopping Turki from having the rest of the division fight it out in the background to establish genuine big names and contenders over the past year that appeal to Usyk financially and legacy-wise which is why he's been looking at Wilder, Ruiz and I assume Parker as the former champions of the era before ending up with a novelty fight against a different type of champion. Although Wardley will be facing Parker and Dubois, Kabayel has been left to do not much at all. The next generation of Itauma, Jalolov, Torrez and Opetaia could be having genuine fights to establish them as worthy contenders that Usyk would struggle to turn down. Realistically, Usyk at very best will have three more fights but if Dubois beats Wardley I think it could be two. It's very possible it's only one. In the ideal world the fights were obvious and cleared the division but there's very few actively facing the best in the division anymore since Turki decided he wanted to help make a closed shop Zuffa boxing promotion to help make Dana money instead of growing the sport.ans give the fans what they want.

If I'm Turki and want to see the best fights. Usyk faces Kabayel after Verhoeven. Dubois Vs Wardley winner will face Itauma and as long as Dubois isn't the last man standing you have a clear contender for Usyk. Torrez, Opetaia and Jalolov would be the last guys left to make their case possibly facing the likes of Parker, Gassiev, Ajagba and Bakole before facing each other and establishing the clear number 1 of the next generation (that Usyk has not already beaten) for a retirement fight for Usyk. It shouldn't be that difficult if you have all the money to waste in the world.

[jamesmcdonnell]

This isn't an Exhibition bout, and it's not a joke and it's not a game, and it's not a gimme. When that bell rings. You're gonna know Rico Verhoeven is as serious as a heart attack.

I already know it.

Usyk is no fool. He knows it too.

Usyk will batter him.

Its a fornicating farce, Verhoeven is a kickboxer with 1 pro boxing fight, many years ago, being allowed to challenge for the world heavyweight title, in what universe is that not a joke.

If he ends up beating Usyk then I will have a great laugh at Usyk's expense for this shitshow.

[881073]

Panel of boxing experts reactions to this fight.

Wayne Alexander, British, European, World Champion: “Rico Verhoeven is a world champion kick-boxer and hasn’t proven himself as a boxer, how the WBC have allowed this I don’t know! Nobody knows how good Rico is as a boxer. It’s seems like The Ring Magazine are in charge of a lot in boxing and are now making all the rules. Money talks.”

Lou DiBella, Hall of Fame Promoter: “I’m not bullsh*tting… I dunno who the f**k Rico Verhoeven is. Like, I never heard of him. I love Usyk, but I couldn’t give a rat’s ass about this boxing match.”

Adam Catterall, Award-winning Broadcaster: “Oleksandr Usyk has delivered every fight we asked for multiple times over so if he wants to have some fun against a legend from another sport in an awesome setting then crack on. However, the fact the WBC are supposedly sanctioning it as a legit title fight is diabolical.”

Rob Tebbutt, Sportsman Boxing: “Absolutely farcical.”

Dan Rafael, ESPN: “An all-time great fighter in Usyk, who has been forced into mandatories and contracted rematches for most of his last several fights, can make ton of money to fight a great kickboxer in an optional defense at a wild location (the Pyramids) in the twilight of his career. I’m OK with it.”

Tony Bellew: “He’ll come in and give it everything with no hesitation and will no show respect which will make it Interesting for about 6/7 mins! Once this passes he’ll be given a painful lesson! He’s big, brave and dangerous but has no boxing IQ at this level! This isn’t Sparring!”

Paul Speak: “Usyk is an outstanding talent and a great champion. If an opportunity arises to cash in on his status then why not take it.

“He will have sat down and studied Rico and weighed up the financial reward against the risk. Business is business and he is cashing in on his success.

“We had it before with McGregor and Mayweather, Fury vs Ngannou and look what nearly happened there.

“Usyk is an intelligent man he won’t underestimate Rico. So nothing new in boxing.”

Tony Tolj, Dragon Fire Boxing Promoter: “Usyk is an Undisputed Cruiserweight and Heavyweight Champion on multiple occasions fought multiple mandatories. So I have no objection to him having this fight as long he fights his mandatory next.

“I don’t know enough about Rico, whether he is worthy for a WBC title shot. Seems like a solid puncher which should make for an interesting fight.

“Very interesting location, it is what it is and will be a fun event so let’s not over think it.”

Tim Rickson, BBN Editor: “For me, this is an exhibition bout, a bit like when Tyson and Joshua fought Francis Ngannou. Fury didn’t train for that fight and made the UFC star look good, then AJ did to him what any heavyweight boxer should do. I don’t know much about Rico Verhoeven at this early stage, I will find out more about him in time, but right now this is a complete mismatch.

“Usyk has completed boxing, he’s cleared out the cruiserweights and the heavyweights, so the guy has a green light to do whatever he wants. However, this is an exhibition bout and I strongly believe they should only take place after a boxer’s career has finished. So, if Usyk has called time on his professional boxing career, then this fight is fine, but I can’t take it seriously as a professional boxing match.

“The wildest part of all this for me is the fact that the WBC world heavyweight title is on the line! Imagine being Agit Kabayel and winning every single one of your 27 professional contest, only to see a boxer with a 1-0 record from 12 years ago step in front of you in the line. It’s outrageous! I have always loved the WBC, but this is causing major conflict for me. How does a 1-0 boxer that’s not fought in professional boxing for 12 years fight for a world title? It should not be allowed, it’s making a mockery of the world title.

“Boxing is very erratic at the moment, with the likes of Dana White and Turki Alalshikh shaking things up, but I just concentrate on what matters, such as Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois in Manchester, Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov at Spurs, Wilder-Chisora at The O2 – that’s real boxing. Ignore MisFits, Zuffa, all that nonsense and stay tuned to real boxing, which is very much alive and well.”

Mike Coppinger, The Ring Magazine: “Indeed, kickboxers have had a lot of success in heavyweight boxing. Vitali Klitschko. Dillian Whyte. Big Baby Miller. Alexander Povetkin. This isn’t a wrestler boxing Usyk. It’s a man who has knockout power and stands up when fighting. Usyk has fought practically everyone at heavyweight, from four fights total with Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to another two with Daniel Dubois, Derek Chisora, etc. Yes, Wardley and Kabayel are deserving. But if Usyk wants to have some fun with a big spectacle, so be it.”

Ozzy Smith, Boxing Asylum Nuthouse Podcaster: “Coppinger is not a serious boxing reporter. He is solely a mouthpiece for a state controlled media outlet. His take is absurd, Verhoeven has no chance in this fight and would lose to the majority of domestic level British fighters.”

Martin Hillman, Commonwealth Silver champion: “Not an overall fan of this matchup, understandably he vacated his WBO to Wardley and hasn’t left himself a great deal of credible options at the moment, however I think fighting someone like a Kabayel would’ve made more sense.

”The cross-over matchups have outweighed logic in favour of hype, which we saw with Fury Ngannou. Although that bout nearly delivered a massive upset, I believe this one is impossible to think of a scenario where Usyk loses.”

Arijan Goricki, IBO title contender: “I don’t see point of making that fight happen, it’s only money grab for Oleksandr and Rico. My prediction is Usyk by UD.”

Alexander McGibbon, BBN Writer: “This fight is a farce. Stupid at best. Why on earth is the three-time undisputed champion, already on the way out, needing them legacy fights, fighting someone who is 1-0? I’d love someone who doesn’t have an unbiased opinion to let me know. It’s silly, but I’ll still be watching.”

Ethan O’Connor, BBN YouTube Reporter: “Not an overall fan of this matchup, understandably he vacated his WBO to Wardley and hasn’t left himself a great deal of credible option at the moment, however I think fighting someone like a Kabayel would’ve made more sense. The cross-over matchups have outweighed logic in favour of hype which we saw with Fury Ngannou. Although that bout nearly delivered a massive upset, I believe this one is impossible to think of a scenario where Usyk loses.”

Max Timpson, BBN Writer: “I think that Usyk has solidified himself as the best heavyweight of this era and can fight who he likes. However, if he wants to go down this circus fight route then I believe he should vacate the WBC belt as Verhoeven is not worthy of challenging for such a title with his current record. Kabayel should be fighting for that belt against whoever is ranked next to him in my opinion as they are more deserving of a title shot.

“The WBC allowing Verhoeven to fight for the title is very strange also and does make the rankings seem insignificant.

“I also think that Verhoeven will be dominated and finished as Usyk is already much better than every heavyweight boxer, so I cannot see how a kickboxer will have much success against him.”

To me, it's funny to see the massive lack of knowledge these boxing influencers have about boxing, kickboxing, or actually fighting in general.
Perhaps people within their own community listen to them, but to me they are pretty much a joke.
In general, the average kickboxing level has allways been leagues above boxing average level.
Pretty much all kickboxers who left the sport to become a boxer have performed pretty decent in boxing to say the least.
Vitali Klitschko did pretty decent, just like his little brother.
Povetkin was oke,
Jarrell Miller, was pretty decent in boxing for an American.
Dillian Whyte made some nice money.
And most of them were absolutely nothing special in the kickboxing community but were pretty much instantly top of the bill when they started boxing.

Rico Verhoeven himself has also prepared Tyson Fury good enough to win his Klitschko fight at the time.

I'm not sure what to think of it.
How would these influencers react if Usyk just get's overwelmed in the later rounds like what happened in pretty much any of Rico's fights in the past decade?

We have seen Nieky Holzken doing the same thing a few years ago. He wasn't top of the bill in kickboxing at all any more, but the boxing world was in absolute shock when they put some kid from the UK in front of him expecting it to be finished in no time. Now Nieky obviously wasn't any good at all, but the kid from the UK already struggled all the time and tried to prevent making it an actual fight all the time out of fear. Meanwhile Nieky didn't even want a chair in the breaks, boxing is a sport that would never make an in shape kickboxer tired.

It's not even like I expect Rico to win, but if that does happen, it wouldn't really shock me that much either.
I think the fight is much, much, much more competative then most of these boxing influencers realise.
Rico has allways been a fighter, not some chitchat like Conor McGregor or something.

Some of these boxing influencers even genuinely try to act like they don't know Rico Verhoeven. What planet do you even get such people from? And if they genuinely do not know, why would anyone that does know anything about boxing listen to such people?

To be honest I still wouldn't be surprised at all if Usyk will pull out of the fight, he will simply realise the risk/reward isn't worth it for him. The odds of Usyk losing is about 30% in my estimation. If I get more then 3X my money back if Rico Verhoeven wins, I'm willing to put money on it.

[gilgamesh]

This isn't an Exhibition bout, and it's not a joke and it's not a game, and it's not a gimme. When that bell rings. You're gonna know Rico Verhoeven is as serious as a heart attack.

I already know it.

Usyk is no fool. He knows it too.

Usyk will batter him.

Its a fornicating farce, Verhoeven is a kickboxer with 1 pro boxing fight, many years ago, being allowed to challenge for the world heavyweight title, in what universe is that not a joke.

If he ends up beating Usyk then I will have a great laugh at Usyk's expense for this shitshow.

And be sure to celebrate the new Heavyweight Champion of the World who just set the record for being the quickest to ever win a World Title in only his 2nd bout

EXTREMELY UNLIKELY, but it'd be amazing if that happened.

[Evander]

Usyk is on tour

[Ruthless-RKO]

ESPN KnockOut journalist Salvador Rodriguez reported that Munguia is being considered for the event in Egypt.

According to sources, Jaime Munguia is one of the fighters being evaluated for the card.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Speaking on Froch on Fighting, ‘The Cobra’ outlined he has an issue with that due to Agit Kabayel missing out on his opportunity.

“It’s a voluntary defence against someone nobody has ever heard of and he’s a kickboxer and I’m not sure how these kickboxers go into the boxing ring but I don’t think there’s many that have gone into the boxing ring and done very well in the past. All I can say about this is Oleksandr Usyk is due an easy fight and he’s got one, so fair play to him.

“Agit Kabayel will be a bit annoyed cause he’s mandatory for this WBC belt and he’s a bona fide challenger of the belt who has been around for ages waiting his turn and he’s going to have to wait even longer, which is bad for the sport really, chucking Usyk in with a kickboxer nobody’s heard of.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Egypt Travel Advisory Updated as Usyk vs Rico Event Planned at Giza

Oleksandr Usyk’s planned May 23 event against Rico Verhoeven in Egypt comes amid updated UK travel guidance covering parts of the country. However, Cairo and the Giza pyramids tourist zone are not among the restricted areas.

The crossover bout is expected to bring international media, broadcasters, and event personnel to Egypt. At the same time, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has warned of heightened regional tension and possible travel disruption in some areas.

UK Guidance Focuses on Specific Areas

The FCDO advises against all travel to within 20 kilometers of the Egypt-Libya border, except for El Salloum, where it advises against all but essential travel.

It also advises against all travel to the North Sinai Governorate.

Other areas are listed as essential travel only, including the northern part of South Sinai beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, parts of Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal, and sections of the Western Desert.

The guidance also notes heightened regional tensions and warns that disruption is possible, including at border crossings.

However, the areas listed in the advisory do not include Cairo or the Giza pyramids tourist zone at this time.

[tiny_acres]

Egypt Travel Advisory Updated as Usyk vs Rico Event Planned at Giza

Oleksandr Usyk’s planned May 23 event against Rico Verhoeven in Egypt comes amid updated UK travel guidance covering parts of the country. However, Cairo and the Giza pyramids tourist zone are not among the restricted areas.

The crossover bout is expected to bring international media, broadcasters, and event personnel to Egypt. At the same time, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has warned of heightened regional tension and possible travel disruption in some areas.

UK Guidance Focuses on Specific Areas

The FCDO advises against all travel to within 20 kilometers of the Egypt-Libya border, except for El Salloum, where it advises against all but essential travel.

It also advises against all travel to the North Sinai Governorate.

Other areas are listed as essential travel only, including the northern part of South Sinai beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, parts of Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal, and sections of the Western Desert.

The guidance also notes heightened regional tensions and warns that disruption is possible, including at border crossings.

However, the areas listed in the advisory do not include Cairo or the Giza pyramids tourist zone at this time.

The threat of war or terrorist action could derail this fight by May.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Oleksandr Usyk outlines three-fight plan en route to retirement

Ring Magazine heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed he will have just three more fights before he retires — and has even named the opponents he plans to face.

First up, the Ukrainian great is preparing to face Rico Verhoeven at Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on May 23 when his WBC heavyweight title will be on the line.

Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) joined Monday’s Inside The Ring after a hard day’s training at camp and outlined his plans beyond the scheduled clash with Verhoeven, a Dutch kickboxing icon.

Devin Haney, a guest in the studio, asked Usyk how he is motivating himself for an unaccomplished boxing foe, but the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion said: “For me it’s a real fight.

 Yes, Rico is not a good boxer but, OK, a fun fight? No problem. But I want to fight the winner of the fight between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley [afterwards].”




The 39-year-old southpaw indicated who he wants to face in his farewell fight, which would be the 27th outing of his incredible career.

He added: “I will have three more fights. Listen, Rico is first, second it’s who wins between Wardley or Dubois and then my third fight is my friend Greedy Belly, Tyson Fury.”

Usyk has already beaten Fury twice after his back-to-back victories at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena in 2024, which sent the Brit into a short retirement.

Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs), 37, will bring that hiatus to an end at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11 when he faces Arslanbek Makhmudov, but he recently told The Ring that he expects Usyk to be "begging him" for a third fight before 2026 is over.

While Usyk does expect to face Fury, he does not think he will cross paths with Moses Itauma, the rising star of the heavyweight division.

“No, I’m not going to fight with Itauma because he’s a young guy," he said. "I don’t want to break this guy.”

[joshj909]

So Usyk's three fight plan is very possibly a 1-0 kickboxer, Dubois for the third time and Fury for the third time. No Kabayel, Itauma, Torrez or Jalolov. Usyk should be asking Turki to create and eliminate contenders.

We have to pray that Wardley beats Dubois. Hopefully Fury faces Kabayel after Makhmudov but that doesn't seem likely.

"You either die (retire) a hero or you live (fight) long enough to become the villain"

[Ruthless-RKO]

So Usyk's three fight plan is very possibly a 1-0 kickboxer, Dubois for the third time and Fury for the third time. No Kabayel, Itauma, Torrez or Jalolov. Usyk should be asking Turki to create and eliminate contenders.

We have to pray that Wardley beats Dubois. Hopefully Fury faces Kabayel after Makhmudov but that doesn't seem likely.

"You either die (retire) a hero or you live (fight) long enough to become the villain"

yeh, have them fight each other..

[joshj909]

So Usyk's three fight plan is very possibly a 1-0 kickboxer, Dubois for the third time and Fury for the third time. No Kabayel, Itauma, Torrez or Jalolov. Usyk should be asking Turki to create and eliminate contenders.

We have to pray that Wardley beats Dubois. Hopefully Fury faces Kabayel after Makhmudov but that doesn't seem likely.

"You either die (retire) a hero or you live (fight) long enough to become the villain"

yeh, have them fight each other..

It's the only way to keep everyone satisfied. Realistically, the opponents that anyone might want to see Usyk against are Kabayel, Wardley, Itauma, Torrez, Jalolov, Opetaia and maybe Parker if he can get a win or two beforehand. Usyk wants to face Verhoeven, Wilder, Ruiz, Dubois and Fury. There's absolutely no way he faces all of them before retirement and I don't think anyone would expect it but, over the last 12 months, almost everyone is sitting around and waiting for something rather than trying to establish themselves as number one contenders. An unofficial tournament promoted by Turki over the last year in anticipation of just this scenario could've established 3 opponents and made some stars.

If I was Turki, the winners of the below would cover all grounds:
First defence:
Kabayel Vs Jalolov

Second defence:
Wilder Vs Ruiz Vs Torrez/Sanchez
Vs
Opetaia Vs Parker

Third and final defence:
Fury Vs Joshua
Vs
Wardley/Dubois Vs Itauma

[Sendo Takeshi]

I hope he just retires after Rico.
Kabayel would've been a nice last fight, especially if Dubois beats Wardley, but this fight is also fine as a last fight.

He is probaly gonna be 40 by the time he fights his 26th fight. Can't beat father time forever.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Oleksandr Usyk outlines three-fight plan en route to retirement

Ring Magazine heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed he will have just three more fights before he retires — and has even named the opponents he plans to face.

First up, the Ukrainian great is preparing to face Rico Verhoeven at Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on May 23 when his WBC heavyweight title will be on the line.

Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) joined Monday’s Inside The Ring after a hard day’s training at camp and outlined his plans beyond the scheduled clash with Verhoeven, a Dutch kickboxing icon.

Devin Haney, a guest in the studio, asked Usyk how he is motivating himself for an unaccomplished boxing foe, but the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion said: “For me it’s a real fight.

 Yes, Rico is not a good boxer but, OK, a fun fight? No problem. But I want to fight the winner of the fight between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley [afterwards].”




The 39-year-old southpaw indicated who he wants to face in his farewell fight, which would be the 27th outing of his incredible career.

He added: “I will have three more fights. Listen, Rico is first, second it’s who wins between Wardley or Dubois and then my third fight is my friend Greedy Belly, Tyson Fury.”

Usyk has already beaten Fury twice after his back-to-back victories at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena in 2024, which sent the Brit into a short retirement.

Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs), 37, will bring that hiatus to an end at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11 when he faces Arslanbek Makhmudov, but he recently told The Ring that he expects Usyk to be "begging him" for a third fight before 2026 is over.

While Usyk does expect to face Fury, he does not think he will cross paths with Moses Itauma, the rising star of the heavyweight division.

“No, I’m not going to fight with Itauma because he’s a young guy," he said. "I don’t want to break this guy.”

[tiny_acres]

Oleksandr Usyk outlines three-fight plan en route to retirement

Ring Magazine heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed he will have just three more fights before he retires — and has even named the opponents he plans to face.

First up, the Ukrainian great is preparing to face Rico Verhoeven at Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on May 23 when his WBC heavyweight title will be on the line.

Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) joined Monday’s Inside The Ring after a hard day’s training at camp and outlined his plans beyond the scheduled clash with Verhoeven, a Dutch kickboxing icon.

Devin Haney, a guest in the studio, asked Usyk how he is motivating himself for an unaccomplished boxing foe, but the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion said: “For me it’s a real fight.

 Yes, Rico is not a good boxer but, OK, a fun fight? No problem. But I want to fight the winner of the fight between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley [afterwards].”




The 39-year-old southpaw indicated who he wants to face in his farewell fight, which would be the 27th outing of his incredible career.

He added: “I will have three more fights. Listen, Rico is first, second it’s who wins between Wardley or Dubois and then my third fight is my friend Greedy Belly, Tyson Fury.”

Usyk has already beaten Fury twice after his back-to-back victories at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena in 2024, which sent the Brit into a short retirement.

Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs), 37, will bring that hiatus to an end at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11 when he faces Arslanbek Makhmudov, but he recently told The Ring that he expects Usyk to be "begging him" for a third fight before 2026 is over.

While Usyk does expect to face Fury, he does not think he will cross paths with Moses Itauma, the rising star of the heavyweight division.

“No, I’m not going to fight with Itauma because he’s a young guy," he said. "I don’t want to break this guy.”

If this is his plan to finish his Heavyweight career, history will not be too kind on him.
That would be Chisora, 2 fights with Joshua, 3 dubois, 3 Fury and a defense against a kickboxer.
Not the career of an all time great heavyweight.
Why not Kayabel or Itauma? Throw in some variety and not the same names he has already beaten.
His stock will fall in the long run

[joshj909]

Oleksandr Usyk outlines three-fight plan en route to retirement

Ring Magazine heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed he will have just three more fights before he retires — and has even named the opponents he plans to face.

First up, the Ukrainian great is preparing to face Rico Verhoeven at Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on May 23 when his WBC heavyweight title will be on the line.

Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) joined Monday’s Inside The Ring after a hard day’s training at camp and outlined his plans beyond the scheduled clash with Verhoeven, a Dutch kickboxing icon.

Devin Haney, a guest in the studio, asked Usyk how he is motivating himself for an unaccomplished boxing foe, but the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion said: “For me it’s a real fight.

 Yes, Rico is not a good boxer but, OK, a fun fight? No problem. But I want to fight the winner of the fight between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley [afterwards].”




The 39-year-old southpaw indicated who he wants to face in his farewell fight, which would be the 27th outing of his incredible career.

He added: “I will have three more fights. Listen, Rico is first, second it’s who wins between Wardley or Dubois and then my third fight is my friend Greedy Belly, Tyson Fury.”

Usyk has already beaten Fury twice after his back-to-back victories at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena in 2024, which sent the Brit into a short retirement.

Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs), 37, will bring that hiatus to an end at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11 when he faces Arslanbek Makhmudov, but he recently told The Ring that he expects Usyk to be "begging him" for a third fight before 2026 is over.

While Usyk does expect to face Fury, he does not think he will cross paths with Moses Itauma, the rising star of the heavyweight division.

“No, I’m not going to fight with Itauma because he’s a young guy," he said. "I don’t want to break this guy.”

If this is his plan to finish his Heavyweight career, history will not be too kind on him.
That would be Chisora, 2 fights with Joshua, 3 dubois, 3 Fury and a defense against a kickboxer.
Not the career of an all time great heavyweight.
Why not Kayabel or Itauma? Throw in some variety and not the same names he has already beaten.
His stock will fall in the long run

The benefit that variety can have is that he can beat a future dominant star if picked correctly. Mayweather Vs Canelo and Lewis Vs Vitali are prime examples of that and it has boosted their records moreso than if they had rematched someone else. Someone has to be the next big thing at heavyweight and it's likely going to be one of about 3 guys.

If Wardley and Makhmudov win the scheduled fights, Usyk's record at heavyweight is in tatters. That's the risk a lack of variety has. I do expect Fury to beat Makhmudov but if he didn't fight Usyk and faces top 5 opponents then they could easily be a potential banana skin.

[BroughtonRulesRefuge]

Oleksandr Usyk outlines three-fight plan en route to retirement

Ring Magazine heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed he will have just three more fights before he retires — and has even named the opponents he plans to face.

First up, the Ukrainian great is preparing to face Rico Verhoeven at Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on May 23 when his WBC heavyweight title will be on the line.

Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) joined Monday’s Inside The Ring after a hard day’s training at camp and outlined his plans beyond the scheduled clash with Verhoeven, a Dutch kickboxing icon.

Devin Haney, a guest in the studio, asked Usyk how he is motivating himself for an unaccomplished boxing foe, but the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion said: “For me it’s a real fight.

 Yes, Rico is not a good boxer but, OK, a fun fight? No problem. But I want to fight the winner of the fight between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley [afterwards].”




The 39-year-old southpaw indicated who he wants to face in his farewell fight, which would be the 27th outing of his incredible career.

He added: “I will have three more fights. Listen, Rico is first, second it’s who wins between Wardley or Dubois and then my third fight is my friend Greedy Belly, Tyson Fury.”

Usyk has already beaten Fury twice after his back-to-back victories at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena in 2024, which sent the Brit into a short retirement.

Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs), 37, will bring that hiatus to an end at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11 when he faces Arslanbek Makhmudov, but he recently told The Ring that he expects Usyk to be "begging him" for a third fight before 2026 is over.

While Usyk does expect to face Fury, he does not think he will cross paths with Moses Itauma, the rising star of the heavyweight division.

“No, I’m not going to fight with Itauma because he’s a young guy," he said. "I don’t want to break this guy.”

If this is his plan to finish his Heavyweight career, history will not be too kind on him.
That would be Chisora, 2 fights with Joshua, 3 dubois, 3 Fury and a defense against a kickboxer.
Not the career of an all time great heavyweight.
Why not Kayabel or Itauma? Throw in some variety and not the same names he has already beaten.
His stock will fall in the long run

- Usyk said he was going for one and done after winning his last fight, but could be Turki being in the mix now gives him financial motivation to do as he pleases to top off career earnings.

[Bobbyptsd]

Usyk is an all time great at this point. He could fight Dave Allen three times in a row to round out his career and it wouldn't change a damn thing.

[gilgamesh]

Usyk is an all time great at this point. He could fight Dave Allen three times in a row to round out his career and it wouldn't change a damn thing.

Agreed. He's done the work. Now it's simply a matter of "How great is he?" And about adding to his bank account, but there can be no doubt that he's an All Time Great fighter.