Oleksandr Usyk may be seen as a generational great by many boxing fans, but not everyone is happy with the Ukrainian.
Usyk has won every single one of his professional contests, having ended his amateur career as an Olympic Gold medalist at London 2012. Within six years of turning over, he became the undisputed cruiserweight ruler and then moved up to heavyweight.
Another six years on, he did something no man has ever achieved in the four-belt era by becoming a two-time undisputed champion.
Along the way, he beat Derek Chisora, then twice got the better of a trio of other top-ranked Brits – Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua, none of whom ever looked close to winning.
As such, it is fair to say Usyk has not avoided anyone on his way to the top, though he did vacate his WBO belt rather than face mandatory challenger Fabio Wardley in order, he claimed, to fight Deontay Wilder.
Wilder, though, has just signed to be Chisora’s 50th and potentially final opponent.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Wardley’s manager Mike Ofo lay into Uyk for avoiding his charge.
“Now the world can see that Usyk was just ducking Fabio by claiming he was fighting Wilder. Clearly that isn’t happening and Usyk is still running away from fighting Fabio. He should change his name to Oleksandr Ducksyk.”
He then suggested a high-stakes alternative fight for Wardley.
“Fabio is more than up for fighting Tyson and would welcome what would be a huge event for British boxing this summer. Let’s get it on!”
Fury is back in the gym after being retired for all of 2025, so he may need a comeback fight before stepping in with Wardley, who is looking to get back in the ring in April time for his maiden defence.
