Usyk and Krassyuk worked together for 12 years, a partnership that saw the Ukrainian boxer rise to the top of the sport. Krassyuk announced the split on social media, thanking Usyk for their successful journey together.
It's been a tremendous journey — 12 years of unbelievable success. Two young dreamers met each other to change the game. Back in 2013, I gave you my word — and I kept it.
Usyk clarified the situation in an interview with The Stomping Ground, explaining that while their boxing relationship has ended, they'll continue to work together in other areas.
Listen we not break with my relationship with Alex. I build business, Usyk 17, Alex Krassyuk now work with this company. We stop relationship in boxing but Alex help me with other work. We work a lot of years, 12. We win great trophy but we continue work but different work.
The timing of this announcement surprised many fans, coming just before Usyk's important rematch with Dubois. The two first fought in August 2023 in Poland, where Usyk won by ninth-round stoppage. That fight had its share of drama, with Dubois thinking he had Usyk down with a body shot, which was correctly ruled a low blow.
Since then, both fighters have had eventful careers. Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion by beating Tyson Fury last May. He had to give up the IBF belt to fulfill a rematch with Fury in December, which he also won.
Dubois picked up that vacant IBF belt and defended it with a knockout win over Anthony Joshua in September. Now, he's looking to unify all the titles against Usyk.
Dave Allen, a heavyweight who has sparred with both fighters, will surely have some insights into how this rematch might go. The fight promises to be a thrilling contest as both men aim to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.