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Oleksandr Usyk Has Nothing Left To Prove After Clearing Heavyweight Division, Says Boxing Insider

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Oleksandr Usyk Has Nothing Left To Prove After Clearing Heavyweight Division, Says Boxing Insider
Oleksandr Usyk acknowledges the fans ahead of his IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC, and WBO Undisputed World Heavyweight Title fight against Tyson Fury at BLVD Runway on December 17, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Source: Getty Images)

Oleksandr Usyk has dominated every challenge in the heavyweight division, defeating its top contenders and solidifying his legacy, leaving nothing for him to prove, stated boxing insider Mike Coppinger in a January 17 ESPN article.

“Usyk has nothing left to prove and really no one else to fight after he’s virtually cleaned out the top of the heavyweight division. The Olympic gold medalist defeated Anthony Joshua twice and added a pair of wins over Tyson Fury last year,” Coppinger wrote.

The expert pointed out that after Usyk’s latest win over Fury, Daniel Dubois did step in the ring to call for a rematch, which Usyk accepted.

“No problem. Your Excellency,” Usyk said, addressing Turki Alalshikh, the Head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. “Arrange a fight for me with Daniel Dubois. Thank you very much.”

Coppinger noted that Usyk still has potential opponents. If Joseph Parker wins against Dubois on February 22 to claim the IBF world title, Usyk could face him to reclaim the belt that was stripped from him, once again securing undisputed status.

Other possible matchups include Martin Bakole or the winner of the Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel fight, which is also set for the February event at Riyadh Season’s The Last Crescendo.

“But Usyk is set to turn 38 this year, has earned nine figures during his illustrious career and perhaps most of all, still lives in war-torn Ukraine with his wife and children,” Coppinger said.

The insider added that Usyk has been vocal about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and “could turn his attention to issues at home just like two other former heavyweight champions: Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko,” Coppinger concluded.

On December 20, 2024, Usyk made a powerful statement during the weigh-in ceremony ahead of his rematch with UK’s Tyson Fury. Usyk unfurled a flag with the message “Free Azovstal Defenders” to raise awareness of Ukrainian defenders held in Russian captivity.

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