Revealing Oleksandr Usyk’s next opponent after Tyson Fury’s retirement
Oleksandr Usyk will face another ‘huge’ opponent in a classic unification bout after Tyson Fury unexpectedly announced his retirement
Tyson Fury recently shocked the boxing world by unexpectedly announcing his retirement. Prior to this, the British boxer had expressed his desire for a ‘trilogy’ (three consecutive fights) with Oleksandr Usyk. However, it seems that after two consecutive, undeniable defeats to Usyk, Fury has changed his mind. Now, Usyk is targeting another ‘huge’ name in his pursuit of becoming the undisputed heavyweight world champion for the second time.
The news that Usyk is ‘hunting’ for an opponent was recently revealed by famous promoter Frank Warren. ‘Usyk told me over the weekend that he will fight the winner of the highly anticipated showdown in the first quarter of this year between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker. Usyk will do everything in his power to unify the heavyweight titles once again.’
Tyson Fury’s ‘homegrown’ fighter, promoted by the famous Frank Warren (right), has lost two bouts to Usyk (left) and recently announced his retirement
Notably, Frank Warren revealed this information during the press conference for the upcoming boxing event at the Riyadh Season in London, with the spotlight on Daniel Dubois’ IBF heavyweight title defense against former WBO champion Joseph Parker, set to take place on February 22.
Meanwhile, Team Usyk has not made an official statement confirming that the Ukrainian fighter plans to rematch Dubois for a classic unification bout, and will wait until the outcome of the Dubois vs. Parker fight is settled. Sources suggest that “Usyk believes Dubois may not have a good chance of defeating Parker,” with the 33-year-old New Zealand fighter currently holding the WBO interim heavyweight title.
However, regardless of the outcome, the prospect of Usyk facing the winner of the upcoming fight is certain to happen, as it will be a highly anticipated classic heavyweight unification bout that the whole world is eagerly waiting for.
The high-profile showdown between Daniel Dubois (left) and Joseph Parker will be the most exciting clash in the boxing world during the first two months of this year
In May 2024, Usyk defeated Tyson Fury, thereby taking the WBC title from his opponent and becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era (along with the WBA, IBF, and WBO titles).
Due to his decision not to defend the IBF title and instead focus on the rematch with Fury in December, Usyk was forced to return the prestigious title to the organization, which was then awarded to Daniel Dubois. The 27-year-old British boxer subsequently proved he was fully deserving of the title when he knocked down the veteran Anthony Joshua four times, securing his hold on the IBF belt.
It’s worth noting that in August 2023, Usyk faced Dubois in a controversial bout. During the fight, Usyk was knocked down, but the referee penalized Dubois for a low blow, ruling it a violation. After that, Usyk easily regained control of the fight and won by knockout in the 9th round.
If Dubois defeats Parker next month, the highly anticipated classic unification bout, Usyk vs. Dubois 2, will undoubtedly be one to look forward to.
Will Usyk and Dubois have a rematch in a new classic heavyweight unification bout this year?
