Usyk says he will fight once more, then retire from boxing

Oleksandr Usyk has put a limit on his career: one more professional boxing fight, then retirement. He said so in an interview with Sport.ua, reported by MMA.pl, and he was open about why he is stopping now.

Usyk, 39, pointed to the growing strain on his body. He acknowledged that boxers often talk about leaving and then return, citing Mike Tyson, and said that after giving boxing so much of his life the decision is hard. "I am a regular person, not a machine or an alien," he said. He also said he has a wife and children, and that every athlete sooner or later has to think about life after the sport.

His last fight was against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven. MMA.pl described it as one many people had expected to be a walkover, but said Usyk did not look good in the ring. In its view he was slower than before, hunted for a big punch and struggled with Verhoeven's style. The fight also brought controversy. That is MMA.pl's assessment, not an official finding. The outlet also notes that Usyk gave up his WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles in June.

Who will be his final opponent is open. Polish media talk about a fight with former world champion Deontay Wilder, but it is not certain it will happen. Wilder has also been linked recently with Verhoeven and with Jai Opetaia.

Usyk has an exit plan. He intends to work as a trainer and has said openly that he may enter politics.

What to watch for next is an announcement of the final opponent and a date. Until one arrives, the retirement plan rests on his own words in this interview.