Usyk Told To Retire – ‘I’ve Seen Too Many Sad Endings'

Teddy Atlas has urged Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk to retire while he is at the top. 

The 38-year-old Usyk, who is not expected to fight again this year, has stated his intention to have two more boxing bouts before hanging up his gloves. Atlas believes Usyk has already accomplished everything he can. The Ukrainian is a two-weight undisputed champion, having won all the belts at cruiserweight and then heavyweight on two occasions. While his next opponent is not yet known, there are some hungry challengers waiting in the wings, including Joseph Parker and Agit Kabayel. Usyk has also spoken of his desire to cap off his career with a crossover MMA fight. Atlas believes that Usyk has already reached a status where he can walk away on his own terms.

"I’ve seen too many sad endings, Usyk should retire……I’ve seen too many sad endings. I’ve seen the Muhammad Ali’s. I’ve seen the other guys that get far less fanfare, but it’s no less terrible to witness. I want to see a happy ending to this great movie. This Usyk movie has inspired so many people in so many ways outside of boxing, so that’s what I want. I know I’m not going to get it, I know that," Atlas said 

The Risks

The most significant risk is the toll that professional boxing takes, especially for a fighter whose style is based on speed, footwork, and endurance. There was a glimpse of this vulnerability in his fight against Daniel Dubois, where he was visibly hurt by a body shot. A decision to continue could also ruin his legacy by exposing him to a loss. Usyk is currently an undisputed champion, a rare feat in the modern era of boxing.

Every fight he takes from here on out is a high-risk. Consider the example of Roy Jones Jr., a former pound-for-pound king whose legacy was tarnished by a series of devastating losses after he continued to fight well past his prime. For Usyk, the risk of a similar fate is very real, especially with a long list of hungry contenders waiting for their shot. That has left Usyk with plenty to ponder.

Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com.