Dogli Wilberforce
In the constantly shifting landscape of heavyweight boxing, Oleksandr Usyk has made one thing clear. The unified champion wants one final defining fight before he walks away from the sport.
Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBO, and WBC heavyweight titles, says his ultimate goal is a decisive showdown with Tyson Fury. After years of dominating both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, the Ukrainian star believes a fight against Fury would provide the final chapter to his career.
The 39-year-old has spent the last few years climbing every mountain in boxing. From Olympic gold to becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion and later conquering the heavyweight ranks, Usyk’s resume already places him among the sport’s elite.
Now he wants one more challenge.
Oleksandr Usyk outlines final fight plan
Usyk recently provided rare clarity on how he sees his career ending during an interview with Inside the Ring.
The champion explained that he has little interest in facing the division’s youngest rising prospects, including fast-rising British heavyweight Moses Itauma. Instead, he wants to focus on established contenders before closing his career with Fury.
“I don’t want to fight Itauma because he’s a young guy. I don’t want to break this guy. Rico. First is this. Second is whoever wins between Wardley and Dubois. Wardley or Dubois. And the third fight, it’s my friend, the ‘Greedy Belly,’ Tyson Fury.”
His comments outline a clear roadmap. Usyk appears willing to let the British heavyweight scene sort itself out between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois before stepping in to face the eventual winner.
Only after that does he envision the final act of his career: a long-anticipated meeting with Fury.
Frank Warren welcomes Usyk’s desire for Tyson Fury showdown
Interest in the potential fight extends beyond Usyk’s camp. Veteran promoter Frank Warren, who works closely with Fury and several other top British heavyweights, believes the champion’s comments could shape the division’s future. Warren told Sky Sports as he reacted to the seriousness of Usyk’s statement.
“We’re up for that. There’s a lot of frustration because Fabio [Wardley] wanted that [Usyk fight before]. But the fact that Oleksandr has come out and said he wants the winner of the two of them, it’s very encouraging. And certainly for the two guys, it gives them a lot of incentive,” Usyk said while discussing the possibility of returning to fight in Saudi Arabia.
Warren also manages rising contenders Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, both of whom remain in the heavyweight division conversation.
Oleksandr Usyk focused on preparation as the fight location remains uncertain
Major boxing events often come with logistical challenges, especially in a global sport where venues shift depending on financial backing and safety concerns. Usyk acknowledged that the location of his next fight remains undecided, but he remains focused on his preparation.
“Given the situation currently unfolding in the world, my task is simply to be ready for what I am preparing for. Then the organizers will decide where it can be held, where they can stage this show so that it is safe for all participants and spectators.”
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has become a major destination for high-profile boxing events. Several marquee fights have been staged there thanks to significant financial support and global broadcast deals.
For Usyk, however, the venue is not the main concern. His focus remains on securing the right opponent.
What a Fury fight would mean for the heavyweight division
A potential clash between Usyk and Fury would carry enormous stakes. Both fighters have dominated different eras of the heavyweight landscape, and a meeting between them would likely determine the division’s true king.
Warren hinted that the path toward that fight may involve the British contenders settling their own rivalries first.
“We’ve got a great relationship with him, and if we can do some business, we’ll certainly do it.”
For Usyk, the motivation extends beyond titles or financial reward. After a career filled with historic achievements, he wants a definitive ending.
