Oleksandr Usyk has earned a trip.
The highest heavyweight in boxing, who presently holds three main championships, is seeking to take an prolonged break heading into 2025 earlier than even considering what comes subsequent for him. Usyk fought twice in 2024 with a pair of wins over Tyson Fury that cemented him as champion and boxing’s greatest heavyweight however after spending 24 rounds within the ring with among the best fighters of his era, the Ukrainian fighter is prepared for some a lot deserved break day.
“It’ll be a really lengthy preparation,” Usyk’s supervisor Egis Klimas advised Boxing Scene. “After one other 12 rounds with Fury, he wants a great, lengthy restoration.”
Whereas there’s no clear minimize No. 1 contender for Usyk’s titles, Daniel Dubois appears to be the main candidate however he has his personal combat booked in opposition to Joseph Parker in February.
Dubois suffered a ninth spherical knockout loss to Usyk once they met again in 2023 however the 27-year-old British born heavyweight known as foul after a punch dropped Usyk to the canvas within the fifth spherical however the shot was thought of a low blow.
Instantly after Usyk’s second win over Fury in December, Dubois stormed the ring and requested for a rematch even together with his personal combat nonetheless booked for February.
If Dubois beats Parker after already knocking out Anthony Joshua this previous September, he would nearly definitely turn out to be probably the most intriguing opponent for Usyk but it surely’s unlikely that combat would occur till the latter a part of 2025.
Usyk’s supervisor stated he expects the reigning heavyweight champion to return someday round “the top of July or August” however he can’t even take into consideration a possible rematch simply but as a result of “Dubois has to beat Parker earlier than he may even begin considering of [Usyk].”
Usyk additionally turns 38 in January however he’s clearly outlined himself as the most effective heavyweight on the earth whereas constructing to an ideal 23-0 document, which now contains two wins over Fury, two wins over Joshua and his previous victory over Dubois.