As all fight fans know, former heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk – who is technically a former champ as he recently, in what came as big news, vacated all of his heavyweight belts – has said he plans to have “one last dance.’ So, belts vacated aside. Usyk says he’s not quite retired yet.
One of the greatest fighters of the last half-century – Usyk having a long, long list of accomplishments on his C.V, at both cruiserweight and at heavyweight – Usyk seems destined to be one of the rare fighters to go out on their own terms; unbeaten, still at (or close to) the top of their game, mentally, physically, and financially sound. Usyk, though, says he will have that ‘last dance” before hanging them up.
And fans really are busy speculating and wondering just who Usyk could meet in his career finale.
Could it be a return fight with Rico Verhoeven, who arguably gave Usyk his toughest ever fight a few weeks back, in that spectacle beneath the pyramids? Certainly, this is a potential sequel that would sell.
Might Usyk box a more than deserved “Farewell ” fight, against pretty much anyone he chooses to dance with?
What about Agit Kabayel, who is more than worthy and has been waiting for so long to get a shot at Usyk? Could Kabayel get a non-tile go at Usyk?
What about Tyson Fury, could he get a third (and undeserved) crack at solving the elusive Usyk puzzle that still keeps him up at night, with Fury deeply analysing what those 24 rounds did to him? Would fans care for a trilogy here?
Or maybe Usyk, a born competitor, has something left field in mind, say a fight in the cage?
At this point in time, we just do not know how Usyk’s great, great ring career will end. But don’t go looking for this Oleksandr The Great to go out a loser. Not a chance.
Let’s all enjoy that final ring appearance, whenever and wherever it takes place.