Oleksandr Usyk, the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, finds himself at a crossroads in his illustrious career. With the WBC ordering him to face Agit Kabayel or vacate his title, the question of whether Usyk still wants to fight looms large. Team Usyk's director, Sergey Lapin, hints at a potential retirement, suggesting that the 39-year-old may have already fought his last bout.
Lapin emphasizes the importance of commercial viability in boxing, stating, 'Fights of this magnitude are not made through social media or public pressure.' He believes that a serious offer, backed by a robust commercial structure, is essential for the biggest fights. This implies that the Usyk-Kabayel match-up may not be as lucrative as a potential rematch with Rico Verhoeven, which could be more financially rewarding for Usyk.
The WBC's interim champion, Kabayel, is a formidable opponent, having recently defended his title with a TKO win. However, the WBC's deadline of June 30 for the purse bid suggests that time is of the essence. Turki Alalshikh, the WBC president, has endorsed Kabayel as Usyk's next opponent, indicating a potential shift in Usyk's plans.
Usyk's recent performance against Verhoeven, which he won in controversial fashion, has sparked speculation about his future. Lapin acknowledges that Usyk's decision to retire or continue fighting is a personal one, stating, 'Every appearance becomes special when a fighter has achieved everything Oleksandr has achieved.'
The prospect of Usyk vacating the WBC title and pursuing other fights is not unprecedented. He has a history of vacating belts to pursue more lucrative opportunities. If Usyk were to retire, Kabayel would likely become the full titleholder, with Tyson Fury as the next contender. However, Fury's focus on his fight with Anthony Joshua may complicate matters, leaving the future of the heavyweight division in flux.
In conclusion, Usyk's decision to fight or retire is a significant moment in his career. The commercial aspect of boxing plays a crucial role in determining his next move. As Lapin suggests, the end of Usyk's career may be in sight, but the final chapter remains to be written.
