Oleksandr Usyk weighs final fight options as Fury trilogy ruled out

Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his heavyweight world titles and is planning one final fight before retirement, but it will not be a trilogy with Tyson Fury.

Sergey Lapin, CEO of Usyk's promotional company Ready To Fight, told Sky Sports that a third Fury matchup holds little appeal. "I don't really see much point in it. Oleksandr has already beaten Tyson Fury twice and answered every question inside the ring," Lapin said. "I believe that chapter is closed, and today that fight no longer carries the same level of interest."

Wilder emerges as frontrunner for Usyk farewell

Deontay Wilder has become the most likely opponent for Usyk's final bout. The undefeated Ukrainian has expressed interest in facing the former WBC champion, a fight Wilder has publicly targeted as well. "He's one of the best in the era. I do need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish," Wilder told Sky Sports. Zuffa Boxing promoter Dana White hinted the fight could happen, saying "anything is possible."

A rematch with kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven, whom Usyk stopped in his last title defense, is considered unlikely despite debate over the stoppage. "It's possible. But honestly, I'm not sure it's the fight that fans are looking for today," Lapin said.

Saudi Arabia and the United States are the probable venues, though Usyk still dreams of fighting once more in his Ukrainian homeland. That has been impossible since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Lapin said Usyk plans to focus on family after retirement and on creating opportunities for the next generation of Ukrainian athletes.

Source: skysports.com