Oleksandr Usyk has suggested that he could retire after facing Tyson Fury.
The Ukrainian is the current unified heavyweight champion looking to become undisputed as a fight with Fury has been agreed. The duo were set to face each other on December 23rd, 2023, only for that date to change to next year following Fury’s tough win over Francis Ngannou. But at the age of 36, Usyk does not have too much time left at the top of the sport. Having already become undisputed at cruiserweight, the Ukrainian could join Terence Crawford in becoming undisputed in a second weight class. But looking ahead to his future, Usyk’s next steps have been outlined.
“I win and then I go and play football. I have a contract signed with the number one football team [in Ukraine], Polissya number one,” Usyk stated
Those comments touch upon the recent news that Usyk had signed a one-year deal with the Ukrainian football team FC Polissya. The heavyweight did have the chance to come on as a substitute in a game against Veres, as FC Polissya overcame their opponents 2-1 to secure the victory.
“Oleksandr Usyk has now officially signed for Ukrainian Premier League football team FC Polissya on a one-year pro contract. Boxing’s WBA, IBF & WBO heavyweight world champion came on as a substitute for the club in a friendly last year and could now play for them professionally,” Michael Benson said
A win for Usyk would leave the boxer with nothing else to prove in the sport, as the fight will define the best heavyweight of this era.