Oleksandr Usyk: New Heights in the Ring
Oleksandr Usyk has once again become the undisputed world champion in the heavyweight class. The Ukrainian achieved this at the age of 38, remaining undefeated in professional boxing. Four years ago, this seemed impossible, but now it's a reality.
Our compatriot has firmly established himself at the top of the heavyweight rankings. While in 2021 Usyk was not a particularly interesting opponent for Joshua and Fury, now he is the most sought-after competitor for everyone, the main star of any event. It is Usyk who can dictate the terms and decide what his next move will be.
Easy Path to Historic Success
The rematch with Dubois turned out to be one of Usyk's easiest bouts in the heavyweight division. During the face-off after the weigh-in ceremony, the Brit, who looked away first, appeared tense and scared – already then, doubts about his mental readiness for the fight arose.
In contrast, Usyk looked like his best self. All accusations about him aging were merely words that Alexander “multiplied by zero.”
One would think that over two years Dubois would have improved: he achieved victories over three strong opponents – Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua. He knocked all three out, brutally finishing the last one, practically ending the championship ambitions of a compatriot who once retired Wladimir Klitschko.
However, in practice, Dubois' new team failed to come up with any new strategies against Usyk. Daniel attempted to box aggressively but was knocked down twice and suffered powerful blows in the fifth round. The Brit was knocked out much quicker than he was two years prior.
Moreover, Dubois is the only boxer after the “test” Chazz Witherspoon who lost to Usyk in the heavyweight division by knockout, rather than by decision, and was knocked out by the Ukrainian twice. Given this context, a trilogy with him clearly holds no significance for Alexander.
Instead, a trilogy is possible, but with another Brit – “Gypsy King” Tyson Fury. It is he that Usyk named as a potential next opponent in a flash interview after the fight.
“Who’s next? Maybe it’s Tyson Fury. I don’t know yet, I want to go home,” Usyk shared.
Although Fury had seemingly retired once again, this scenario is quite plausible – provided there’s a suitable purse (and Tyson is quite picky in that regard). However, the only person who can ensure this crucial financial aspect wishes to see a completely different boxer as Usyk’s next opponent.
