Usyk Names Final Three Fights before retirement

In a revealing interview with Ring Magazine, heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has mapped out the exact three-fight plan he envisions to conclude his illustrious Hall of Fame career, naming specific opponents while ruling out a clash with rising British star Moses Itauma . The undefeated Ukrainian (24-0, 15 KOs) is currently preparing for his return to the ring on May 23 in Egypt, where he will defend his WBC title against kickboxing phenomenon Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza . However, it was his comments regarding his long-term future that captured the boxing world's attention. When asked whether unbeaten teenage prospect Moses Itauma could feature among his remaining contests, Usyk was unequivocal in his response. "No. I don't want to fight with Itauma because it's a young guy. I do not want to break this guy, this is a guy I like," Usyk told The Ring . The 39-year-old champion's protective stance toward the 20-year-old British talent speaks volumes about how highly he rates the youngster, despite Itauma's current ranking as the WBO's number one contender . The interview then turned to Agit Kabayel, the WBC interim champion and mandatory challenger who has been vocal about his desire for a title shot. When asked directly whether Kabayel features on his hit list, Usyk pivoted decisively to outline his preferred farewell tour . "Listen. Rico, this is first. Second, it's who wins Wardley vs Dubois. Third fight, it's my friend 'Greedy Belly', Tyson Fury," Usyk stated with characteristic directness, prompting laughter from the interviewers . The roadmap presents a fascinating conclusion to Usyk's career. First comes the crossover spectacle with Verhoeven in May, a fight Usyk insists is "a real fight" despite his acknowledgment that the Dutchman is "not a good boxer" . From there, he will target the winner of the May 9 clash between newly-crowned WBO champion Fabio Wardley and former IBF titleholder Daniel Dubois—a mouthwatering all-British collision that has already generated significant heat after Dubois refused Wardley's fist bump at their recent press conference . Finally, Usyk envisions completing his historic trilogy with Tyson Fury, whom he has already defeated twice in 2024. Fury, who briefly retired after those defeats, is scheduled to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11 and has previously suggested Usyk would be "begging him" for a third fight . The champion's plans, however, leave Kabayel in a difficult position. The German contender has expressed frustration at being overlooked, telling RTL/ntv: "How can he not name the number one ranked fighter, his mandatory challenger? It's simply sad that he would rather fight Dubois or Fury a third time, even though he's already beaten them both twice" . With the WBC having mandated that Usyk must face Kabayel after any voluntary defence, the Ukrainian may be forced to vacate his belt should he pursue alternative options . What do you think, boxing fans? Does this three-fight send-off do justice to Usyk's legendary career, or should he be testing himself against fresh faces like Kabayel and Itauma before hanging up the gloves? Verhoeven, Wardley/Dubois Winner, and Fury Trilogy.

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