Oleksandr Usyk - The Final Trilogy
The Final Trilogy: Oleksandr Usyk Unveils 3-Fight Roadmap to Retirement
KHARKIV, UKRAINE — The man who tamed the "Gypsy King" and conquered two divisions is officially counting down. Oleksandr Usyk, the unified heavyweight champion of the world, has revealed a definitive three-fight "wishlist" that will serve as the final chapter of his legendary career.
In a candid interview with The Ring on Tuesday morning, the 39-year-old Ukrainian icon (24-0, 15 KOs) confirmed that he intends to hang up his gloves following three specific bouts—a roadmap designed to reclaim his status as the three-time undisputed ruler of the heavyweights.
1. The "Glory in Giza" (23rd May 2026)
The first stop on Usyk’s farewell tour is a historic, albeit unconventional, sanctioned defense of his WBC title. Usyk will face Dutch kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven at the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.
The event, orchestrated by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, marks the first professional boxing match ever staged at the ancient site. While critics have labeled the matchup an "entertainment fight," Usyk was quick to defend his choice of opponent.
“Rico is first,” Usyk stated. “I truly respect people who reach the very top of their sport. He is the King of Kickboxing, but this is a different game. This is boxing, and I want to experience this unique night at the Pyramids.”
2. Reclaiming the WBO (Late 2026)
The second pillar of Usyk’s plan involves the belt he vacated in December 2025: the WBO title. Rather than facing a mandatory challenger at the time, Usyk stepped aside, allowing Fabio Wardley to be elevated to full champion.
Usyk confirmed he will face the winner of the 9th May clash between Wardley and Daniel Dubois at Manchester’s Co-op Live. A victory here would see Usyk become a three-time undisputed heavyweight champion—a feat that would arguably settle any remaining "Greatest of All Time" debates.
3. The "Greedy Belly" Finale
For the final act of his career, Usyk is eyeing a trilogy bout against his greatest rival, Tyson Fury. Despite holding a 2-0 lead over the Brit following their 2024 battles, Usyk remains motivated to "close the book" on their saga.
“Third fight, it’s my friend, ‘greedy belly’ Tyson Fury,” Usyk said with a smirk. The fight would likely take place in early 2027, provided Fury successfully navigates his own scheduled comeback fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov this April.
The "Age 41" U-Turn
The reveal comes after months of conflicting reports regarding Usyk's longevity. While he previously hinted at fighting until age 41, his new "three-fight" stance suggests a more focused exit strategy.
“I train every day with the goal of winning,” Usyk told UNN. “But after these three, I want to build my sports academy and train the next generation. I want to be with my family.”
The Missing Name: Deontay Wilder
Notably absent from the immediate roadmap is Deontay Wilder. While Usyk had expressed a strong desire to fight the "Bronze Bomber" earlier this year, negotiations reportedly stalled after Wilder opted for a bout with Derek Chisora. For now, the "Wilder Wish" appears to be on the back burner in favor of the WBO title hunt.
As the boxing world prepares for the "Glory in Giza" this May, the clock is officially ticking on one of the most technical and decorated careers in the history of the sweet science.
