Oleksandr Usyk believes that one former long-time heavyweight ruler is now finished in the sport.
Usyk’s own career is very much in its late stages and in fact, if he were to walk away now, few would be disappointed given what he has achieved.
The Ukrainian southpaw has dominated since turning professional following a gold medal at the London Olympic Games. He cleaned out the cruiserweight division, then the heavyweight division, to become the first man in the four-belt era to be the undisputed champion in both.
JUST IN: Frank Warren Teases ‘Serious Announcements’ Coming From Tyson Fury After Retirement
Along the way, he has beaten marquee names like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury twice, as well as current IBF belt holder Daniel Dubois.
One man he never faced was Deontay Wilder, the big-hitting American who was once the most feared man in the banner division.
However, two losses to Fury, a points loss to Joseph Parker and a knockout at the fists of Zhilei Zhang last time out have rather left his career in tatters and with Wilder offering up plenty of excuses.
He and his team have confirmed he will be returning this year, although no official announcement has been made.
After the Zhang fight, Usyk suggested on The 3 Knockdown Rule Podcast it might be wise for ‘The Bronze Bomber’ to retire.
“I think Deontay is finished. No concentration. No focus for boxing. It’s bad. If you don’t have concentration for boxing it’s dangerous.”
Zhang already has his next bout locked in and will face Agit Kabayel on February 22 in Riyadh on the same card as Dubois’ next world title defence against Joseph Parker.
As for Wilder, a recently reported comeback against little known heavyweight Curtis Harper has reportedly been scrapped.
