Oleksandr Usyk is not finished yet: After his voluntary WBO retirement, the 38-year-old has announced that he wants to fight for the Undisputed crown again.
Oleksandr Usyk is once again the talk of the heavyweight scene. During his appearance at the opening of the 63rd WBC Congress in Bangkok, the 38-year-old let it be known that his mission in boxing is far from over. On the contrary, the Ukrainian is already thinking about the next big chapter: the road back to becoming the undisputed number 1.
With a smile, Usyk explained that the WBC belt has always had a special meaning for him. And although he has not held all four world titles since last month, he sees his status as “not invincible, just interrupted”. Usyk had voluntarily relinquished the WBO title, which automatically promoted interim champion Fabio Wardley to world champion – just a few weeks after his dramatic points victory over Joseph Parker.
The decision to relinquish the belt opens up new scope for Usyk. Instead of accepting a mandatory defense against Wardley, his team can explore the situation at heavyweight. A duel against the Parker-Wardley winner was at times considered the favorite for his comeback, but Usyk’s environment makes it clear: there is no time pressure, no fixed targets – only ambition.
The double Olympic champion is currently still recovering from a back injury he sustained in his second victory over Daniel Dubois. But when Usyk is fully fit again, he will keep all his options open. One thing is clear: he wants to fight for the Undisputed heavyweight crown!
Text by Robin Josten