Oleksandr Usyk says he plans to retire after three more fights, but he is not locking that in as a certainty.
Speaking with DAZN Boxing, Usyk said his plan calls for fights against Rico and two more opponents before he walks away. When pressed on whether that was definitive, he left room to maneuver.
“I said I have three fights. Rico and two more, and I finish,” said Usyk. When asked if there was any chance of a fourth or fifth fight, he replied: “Not 100%.”
He elaborated: “Not 100%. When I say 100%, I not back because if I say, ‘Not back. Listen, I back because.’ No. Three fights and I finish.”
Tyson Fury, whom Usyk refers to as “Greedy Belly,” remains the name Usyk keeps bringing up publicly. Turki Alalshikh has also floated David Benavidez as a possible heavyweight opponent for Usyk in 2027. Benavidez this month became unified cruiserweight champion with a knockout of Gilberto Ramirez, and a move to heavyweight is already being discussed.
Daniel Dubois has also re-entered the picture as a major name after stopping Fabio Wardley.