Oleksandr Usyk is getting ready to wrap up his boxing career. The Ukrainian fighter plans to step into the ring just two more times before hanging up his gloves.
Usyk's journey in professional boxing started after he won gold at the 2012 London Olympics. He quickly made a name for himself in the cruiserweight division, becoming the undisputed champion. But that wasn't enough for the ambitious fighter.
He moved up to heavyweight and continued his winning streak. Usyk didn't just win - he dominated. He beat Anthony Joshua twice and then did the same to Tyson Fury, becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion. This made him the first boxer to be undisputed in both divisions in the four-belt era.
Now, with 23 wins and no losses under his belt, Usyk is eyeing his final challenges. The WBO has ordered him to defend his title against Joseph Parker. But Usyk has his sights set on Daniel Dubois, the new IBF champion. He wants to become a two-time undisputed champion before he retires.
Joseph Parker's coach, Andy Lee, thinks his fighter has what it takes to challenge Usyk. In an interview, Lee said:
"I believe Joseph is probably the only heavyweight out there who can really challenge Usyk and is a threat to Usyk. He's a great boxer with speed and coordination and a real boxing IQ, but Joseph also has those things."
Lee added that Parker's size could be an advantage:
"He has the stature to match him in terms of his size and ability. He's not a 6ft 6, 6ft 7 heavyweight. Usyk loves those guys, he sits underneath them and makes them work at a rate they're not comfortable with, Joseph has the speed and the coordination to match him."
Despite the WBO's order, Usyk might still get his wish to fight Dubois. The WBO President has said Usyk can ask for the unification bout to take priority.
As Usyk prepares for his final fights, he's yet to be knocked down in his professional career. He's looking to end his career on a high note, potentially as a two-time undisputed champion in two weight classes.
