Full Breakdown
Oleksandr Usyk’s “Last Dance”: Potential Opponents, Venue and Timeline
7/21/2026, 12:28:52 AM
Usyk’s Planned Finale
Ukrainian three-time undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk has announced that his career will conclude with a single “last dance” in the United States, most likely in a New York stadium. He is weighing only two heavyweight rivals—Tyson Fury, nicknamed “Greedy Belly,” and Deontay Wilder—as suitable opponents for the bout, which he says will not occur before December at the earliest.
From Undisputed Glory to Retirement Considerations
Usyk captured the undisputed cruiserweight crown before moving up to heavyweight, where he secured the four-belt era titles by defeating Fury in 2024. A lackluster performance against Rico Verhoeven in May prompted the 39-year-old to contemplate retirement, leading him to vacate his unified heavyweight belts while evaluating his final opponent.
Official Statements & Plans
Usyk told the Daily Mail that the “last dance” will be staged in the U.S., “maybe in New York, in a stadium,” and that it must feature “a big name.” He identified Fury and Wilder as the only “big names” he is interested in fighting. While rumors link the fight to the Zuffa Boxing heavyweight title, Usyk declined to confirm any affiliation, emphasizing that his team is focused on training rather than promotional negotiations. He also noted that his schedule will allow a December showdown at the earliest, after Fury’s expected bout with Anthony Joshua in November.
Verbatim Quotes
- “‘Last Dance’ is [going to be in the] U.S.A. maybe in New York, [in a] stadium. It’s [going to be against] a big name.” — Oleksandr Usyk
- “[Big names are] ‘Greedy Belly’ [Tyson Fury] and Deontay Wilder. We work about this.” — Oleksandr Usyk
- “I cannot say about this [whether I will fight under the Zuffa banner] because now my team work about my next fight.” — Oleksandr Usyk
- “Now, I [do] not think about boxing. I think about training for boxing; cardio? Of course. Cross-fight? Of course. Swimming pool? No. Sauna? Yes. Rest, time with my family, with my child.” — Oleksandr Usyk
What’s Next
Usyk’s retirement window opens in December, pending the outcome of Fury’s upcoming fight with Joshua. If Fury proceeds with that matchup, Wilder—who last fought in April against Derek Chisora—remains the most probable opponent for Usyk’s final bout in New York.
