Usyk nears retirement: Ukrainian boxer names next opponent after Dubois
Usyk will have two more fights (photo: Gettyimages)
Oleksandr Usyk has once again confirmed that he is retiring from professional boxing. The Ukrainian fighter revealed who he will face in his final two bouts in an interview for the Mail Sport Boxing YouTube channel.
Usyk's retirement: Details
The first of Usyk's last two fights is scheduled for July 19, when he will step into the ring for a second time against British boxer Daniel Dubois. This bout will be a rematch of their previous meeting, which ended in a victory for Usyk, though the fight was mired in controversy - particularly over a low blow that nearly forced Usyk to quit.
The final fight of his career is planned against Tyson Fury. It will be their third matchup: Usyk won the previous two, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest boxers of the modern era. The date for the final bout has not been announced yet, but Usyk emphasized that Fury is to be his last opponent in the professional ring.
Usyk vs Dubois rematch on July 19
The second fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois is set for July 19, 2025. According to preliminary information, the bout will take place at Wembley Stadium in London. Usyk will defend his WBA, WBO, WBC, and IBO world titles, while Dubois holds the IBF title.
Their first fight took place in August 2023 and ended with a technical knockout victory for Usyk in the ninth round. However, the British side voiced strong objections to the referee's decision, claiming that what was ruled a low blow had actually been a clean shot. This controversy became the reason for arranging the rematch.
Usyk is serious about finishing his career with big victories, aiming to go down in boxing history as an undefeated champion.
The Ukrainian boxer also recently received a new award from the American Sports Journalists Association.
