Oleksandr Usyk’s team director shuts down two retirement fights including Tyson Fury trilogy

Oleksandr Usyk’s last dance will not come against Tyson Fury or Rico Verhoeven.

The future first-ballot Hall of Famer recently relinquished his WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles as he gears up for the final fight of his unblemished 25-0 career.

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His decision comes off the back of a life-and-death battle with kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in May, where the first signs of physical decline began to show for the ageing 39-year-old.

Usyk eventually stopped Verhoeven in the eleventh round, but the intervention from referee Mark Lyson would be a highly controversial one.

Many felt it was premature, while it also appeared to happen after the bell had rung to signal the end of the round.

An appeal was lodged by Verhoeven’s team, but the decision was upheld.

Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh expressed interest in staging a sequel in the immediate aftermath.

However, the Ukrainian’s team director, Sergey Lapin, doesn’t believe there is much appetite for it.

Team Usyk’s stance made clear

“It’s possible. But honestly, I’m not sure it’s the fight that fans are looking for today,” Lapin told Sky Sports.

It’s a similar story with a trilogy bout against Fury.

Usyk has already beaten ‘The Gypsy King’ twice and recorded an even more convincing victory the second time around.

Although Usyk had previously opened the door to a third fight, Lapin believes that chapter is now well and truly closed.

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“I don’t really see much point in it,” Lapin added.

“Oleksandr has already beaten Tyson Fury twice and answered every question inside the ring.

“I believe that chapter is closed, and today that fight no longer carries the same level of interest.”

So who could Oleksandr Usyk fight next?

While Fury and Verhoeven are seemingly off the table, Lapin insists Deontay Wilder and Jon Jones are both attractive propositions for his client’s farewell fight.

Jones may prove significantly more difficult to strike a deal with as his contract with the UFC still has six fights remaining on it despite his recent retirement.

Wilder, on the other hand, seems the more plausible of the two given they were in active negotiations over a possible fight earlier this year.

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