Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk has assessed the likelihood of ending his career after the heavyweight world title fight against UK boxer Tyson Fury, BoxingScene reports.
The Usyk-Fury fight will take place on May 18 in the Arabian capital of Riyadh. The boxers will enter the ring at the local Kingdom Arena. Together, the Ukrainian and the Briton control all the important belts - WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO, and WBC.
"Yes, of course, I am going to continue boxing. May up to three more years. My motivation for fighting is discipline, family, and fans. I appreciate the support of the people and the Ukrainian soldiers. This is my motivation. We are capable of more with good work," Usyk says.
The champion made his professional debut in 2013. At first, he fought in the first heavyweight division, and in 2019 he moved to the heavyweight division. Usyk's record is 21 fights, 21 wins, 14 of which were by knockout.
Usyk-Fury fight
On Monday, Fury's father fought with the Ukrainian's team. Usyk was giving an interview when people from the UK man's entourage approached him intending to disrupt the recording. After a verbal argument, Fury Sr. provoked a fight in which he broke his forehead.
On May 9, Usyk announced the end of the training camp before the fight. The Ukrainian was gaining optimal condition and sparring with boxers similar to the British in Spain. The next day, the champion and his team flew to the Middle East.
The organizers of the fight have decided on the timing of the rematch. It is tentatively scheduled for October 2024 in Riyadh. However, the winner will no longer be the absolute champion, as the IBF will give the title to the stronger of Hrgovic and Dubois.
By the way, we previously collected the main events around the fight between Usyk and Fury.