BoxRec

If Anthony Joshua scores a decisive victory over Oleksandr Usyk, then how does the Ukrainian move forward with his career?

Assuming Tyson beats Wilder in their third bout, then we’ll see Fury and Joshua fight each other twice during 2022. All the heavyweight titles will out-of-reach until 2023, by which time Usyk will be 36 years of age.

I can’t imagine anyone willing to engage in a high-risk low-reward fight against Usyk, if they can earn similar paydays facing easier foes. The Ukrainian's name will also be towards the rear of the title-shot queue, so he doesn't bring much to the negotiating table.

And let’s face it, Usyk’s fighting style is only appreciated by boxing’s die-hard aficionados, since I strongly suspect most mainstream casuals will consider him boring to watch, especially when you consider how difficult it is to market a non-English speaking fighter.

I think that Oleksandr Usyk isn’t affiliated with any of the networks now, since the terms of his deal with Matchroom was allowed to expire.

Therefore, what should Usyk do if he loses the AJ bout? Is it the end of the road or does he still have options?

Thoughts?

Yeah if he loses a fight he should just give up on the chances of ever getting another one

I’m sure promoters and networks would love to work with him.

ESPN through TR

DAZN through Hearn.

Winner of AJ-Usyk and Fury-Wilder should fight each other, but the losers should fight each other too. Fury-Usyk and Joshua-Wilder are the fights I'd like to see.

Could he use his high IBF ranking for an another shot, via eliminator? Hrgovic supposedly looking for IBF eliminator. Only Charles Martin is above Usyk.

peter barlow wrote: ↑20 Sep 2021, 13:37 Could he use his high IBF ranking for an another shot, via eliminator? Hrgovic supposedly looking for IBF eliminator. Only Charles Martin is above Usyk.

Usyk is fighting for the IBF title when he faces AJ. He’ll be moved down the pecking order if he loses.

Usyk is in his prime and earns millions. Why on earth should he retire? win or lose, he absolutely should continue...his team will figure something out I'm sure...

Enlightened-One wrote: ↑20 Sep 2021, 13:39

peter barlow wrote: ↑20 Sep 2021, 13:37 Could he use his high IBF ranking for an another shot, via eliminator? Hrgovic supposedly looking for IBF eliminator. Only Charles Martin is above Usyk.

Usyk is fighting for the IBF title when he faces AJ. He’ll be moved down the pecking order if he loses.

Oh, well then he could join the who needs him club unless one of the big promoters take him on.

There are several top 15 guys he could beat and get ranked again quickly if he gets backed.

Unless he get absolutely battered, and is fearing for his health, no reason to retire.

In my view he comfortably beats everyone outside of the top few guys. He likely gives a decent test to the top guys giving them a challenge they have not likely faced before. He can still comfortably earn 8 figures against other guys. No reason to retire at all.

What kind of childish question is that?

He can still make money, but getting fights without a silver belt or #1-#2 ranking might be tricky. We have witnessed plenty of guys in all weights in holding patterns to get the money fight.
No one wants to take a risk unless it leads to a title shot/payday. And even if AJ batters Usyk about the ring, he is still a big risk to anyone coming up.

Sure. Whoever loses the fight should retire.

Not unless he gets an absolute sh*tkicking and suffers long term damage, so no.
Good thing for Usyk is he's in very good shape and appears to have really looked after himself, he seems to have done enough of the right things in life to prepare himself whatever the outcome is.

If Usyk loses the AJ bout then he should do just whatever the fck he wants. Fck do I care?

The OP must be new to the sport.