Usyk's team revealed the location of the last fight: who has already issued a challenge
The absolute world champion in the heavyweight division Oleksandr Usyk plans to finish his professional career in the USA. This was reported by the sports director of the Ukrainian boxer, Serhiy Lapin, who also explained the reasons for the champion's refusal of some titles. Meanwhile, the first contender has already emerged for Usyk's last fight. This is reported by Ukrainian Truth.
Usyk's last fights are planned to take place in the USA
According to Serhiy Lapin, the decision to refuse championship belts from sanctioning organizations was made considering the future of the heavyweight category.
He noted that this step opens up opportunities for other boxers, including Anthony Joshua, to compete for the titles and unify the championship belts.
At the same time, Usyk's main goal, according to Lapin, remains to end his career in the USA.
«Oleksandr has always wanted his last fights to take place in the USA, where he aims to put a definitive end to his boxing career», – stated the Ukrainian's sports director.
At the same time, Usyk will retain the title from The Ring magazine, which is considered a symbol of the linear world champion.
Who has already challenged Usyk for the last fight
Following Usyk's statement that he is not ending his career yet and that he has a «last dance» ahead of him, Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven issued a challenge to the Ukrainian.
«Last dance. Time for revenge. Let’s organize the biggest crossover event of this era», – wrote the athlete on social media.
Verhoeven was Usyk's last opponent. Their fight took place on May 23 and ended with Usyk's victory by technical knockout in the 11th round. Before the fight concluded early, Usyk was trailing on the judges' scorecards.
Usyk has already set a historical record
Oleksandr Usyk became the first boxer in history to win the title of absolute world champion three times in the era of four major championship belts.
He first achieved this in the cruiserweight division in 2018, and two more times – in the heavyweight division in 2024 and 2025.
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