Oleksandr Usyk: one more for the road?

Oleksandr Usyk has pretty much cleared out the heavyweight division in the world of boxing – and when you consider how few fighters have been able to legitimately say that, it’s hard not to be overwhelmingly impressed.

Even if you aren’t a big fan of him, or you were rooting for one of his opponents, it’s hard not to respect Oleksandr Usyk. He’s the kind of fighter who can change the nature of a fight in the blink of an eye, but also, he’s one who can use his agility to leave his foes gassing out in a way they never have before. If you don’t believe us, just go and ask the likes of Anthony Joshua, Tony Bellew and Daniel Dubois.

For Oleksandr Usyk, at the age of 38, it certainly feels like we’re heading towards the twilight of his career. There’s every chance that he could have multiple fights left at the elite level because that’s just how good he is, but you’d have to imagine he’ll want to go out while he can still thrive at the elite level.

That’s why, in our view, one more fight is what Oleksandr Usyk needs. In terms of the opponent, we believe it should be Joseph Parker.

Oleksandr Usyk’s last dance

Put on a big show and dance, having it take place as close to his hometown as possible (perhaps another Poland trip), have a sell-out crowd in attendance, and have him face Joseph Parker. It’s not got the kind of bitter, back and forth undertones that many of his previous fights have had and in addition to that, we just think Parker deserves it.

Usyk wants to challenge himself and if he’s going to have one last ride and really push himself, this is the best way to do it.