Usyk plans two or three more fights with secret business plan

Oleksandr Usyk says he will fight on after facing Rico Verhoeven and has a secret promotional blueprint in the works. The former undisputed heavyweight champion told BBC Sport he wants to build a major show around one of his final bouts.

“I will not stop my career after I fight Rico - I have two, maybe three, fights more. I build a plan in future for this fight - I have a secret plan. I want to build a business - this is one of my last fights, but I build [a] big show.”

— Oleksandr Usyk, via BBC Sport

What Oleksandr Usyk said

Usyk has been linked to a crossover bout with Verhoeven, the Dutch kickboxing champion, though no date has been announced. The Ukrainian holds two heavyweight world titles and stepped away from undisputed status after back-to-back wins over Tyson Fury in 2024. He has not stated which weight class he will compete in next.

What it moves

Usyk's comments suggest he sees the Verhoeven clash as part of a wider business venture rather than a pure sporting contest. The reference to a secret plan raises questions about whether he will stage his own events or partner with an existing platform. His timeline puts retirement around 2026 or 2027 if he follows through.

Source: bbc.com. Full Oleksandr Usyk fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.