According to Eddie, there is no point in the Ukrainian proving anything in the ring
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Photo – Getty Images
Famous promoter Eddie Hearn believes that Ukrainian WBC, IBO, WBA and WBO heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KO) should end his career.
“I think Usyk should retire. Imagine: never being defeated, being the absolute heavyweight champion, the absolute heavyweight champion. He will forever be the best in history.”
“What will Usyk get from the fight with Joseph Parker? What is the motivation to fight Dubois again? He has already defeated him. Yes, in the fight with Dubois Usyk can again become the absolute world champion, but what if the fights with Fury took a lot of energy from Alexander?”
Read also: Warren: Hopefully we can announce Usyk-Dubois rematch soon
On February 22, the 38-year-old Ukrainian attended a boxing event in Riyadh, where he personally watched the victory of interim WBO champion Joseph Parker over Martin Bakole. After the fight, Usyk confirmed his desire to have his next fight against IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois and become the absolute champion again. This fight could tentatively take place in July-August 2025.
At the same time, the WBO has officially determined that Usyk will defend his championship belt. The Ukrainian's opponent should be Parker. The New Zealander has already challenged Alexander to a fight in his traditional style.
Read also: Parker's trainer: The main thing for us is the fight with Usyk. If not, then we will fight for the vacant title
Last week, the parties were given 30 days to negotiate – if the deal is not agreed upon, the WBO will hold a promoter bid for the event. If Alexander refuses the mandatory defense, the organization reserves the right to strip Alexander of the championship belt and make it vacant.
The Ukrainian champion is considering options on how not to lose the WBO belt. The first option is a fee for Parker: the New Zealander agrees to give up his turn and goes into “waiting mode”, and only then fights the winner of the confrontation between Alexander and Daniel. However, there is another outcome: Usyk's team writes an official request to the WBO to postpone the fight.