Oleksandr Usyk overcame Tyson Fury for the second time after going the distance in December (Image: Getty)
Reigning heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is expected to take an extended hiatus from boxing, according to his manager Egis Klimas. This development follows Usyk’s thrilling victory over Tyson Fury last month.
The duo initially clashed in May, where Usyk dealt Fury his first professional defeat in a tightly contested battle in Riyadh.
In their rematch last month, the Brit came out strong, dominating the early rounds. Usyk found it challenging to handle his rival’s jab and body shots, but the tide turned just before the halfway mark of the fight. The Ukrainian’s nimble footwork and blistering speed seemed to take Fury by surprise before he went onto win again.
After enduring 24 grueling rounds with the ‘Gypsy King’, Usyk has certainly earned a break from the sport. And Klimas has now shared that Usyk requires several months of rest before he steps back into the ring.
Speaking to , Klimas remarked: “It’ll be a very long preparation. After another 12 rounds with Fury, he needs a good, long recovery.”
He further added that Usyk’s return to the ring would likely be at “the end of July, or August.”
Usyk is poised for a bout with the victor of Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker, with the fight set for next month. Following his encounter with Fury, Dubois confronted Usyk as he entered the ring post-fight to issue both a compliment and a challenge.
Dubois seized the mic and boldly claimed: “I want my revenge,” before lauding Usyk’s triumph. “I want my revenge Usyk! Well done tonight, well done. God bless. I want my revenge for the robbery last time. Let’s go, let’s go. Make it happen Frank!”
Usyk didn’t hesitate in accepting the possibility of a rematch. In response, he said: “Your excellency, make the fight with Daniel Dubois. Thank you so much. I can do more. I’m ready to fight (Dubois), no problem. Next fight no problem. Now I want to go home and rest.”