Ukrainian boxing is experiencing a pivotal moment: Oleksandr Usyk has decided to relinquish his titles as the undisputed heavyweight world champion. This move has sparked widespread resonance within the sports community. Igor Faniyan, head of the promotional company Spartabox Faniian Promotions, shared his opinion on the event in an exclusive interview with Sport RBC.UA.
The Champion's Nobility
According to Faniyan, Oleksandr's action is a manifestation of high sportsmanship and nobility. From a promoter's perspective, vacating the titles opens doors for other fighters who have long awaited their chance to reach the pinnacle of the boxing Olympus.
"I think Oleksandr did the right thing by vacating the titles and giving other boxers, guys who have been waiting in line for a long time, the opportunity to fight for them. Usyk is already a legend not only of Ukrainian but also of world boxing, and he truly behaves in accordance with such a characterization — both in the ring and outside of it," noted Faniyan.
The Ideal Opponent for a Farewell Fight
Discussing the possible conclusion of the Ukrainian's career, Faniyan put forward a specific name for the final bout. The promoter believes that the best candidate for the role of the final opponent will be the American heavyweight Deontay Wilder.
"Oleksandr, as he said, should have his last fight with Deontay Wilder, earn some money, and can safely retire and get on with his own business," stated the representative of the promotional company.
The Path to Undisputed Championship
Oleksandr Usyk's career in the heavyweight division is a chronicle of great victories. In 2018, he became the undisputed world champion in the cruiserweight division, after which he successfully moved up to the super heavyweight category. His first steps in the new division were marked by victories over Chazz Witherspoon and Dereck Chisora, which gave him the right to a title fight with Anthony Joshua.
On September 25, 2021, Usyk achieved a historic victory over Joshua, winning the WBA, WBO, and IBF belts. The following summer, he successfully conducted a rematch and defended his titles. Subsequent bouts against Daniel Dubois and Tyson Fury allowed the Ukrainian to unify all belts and become the undisputed world champion. His most recent fight to date was on May 23 against the Dutchman Rico Verhoeven, which Usyk won in the 11th round.
