The Ukrainian undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has unveiled his plans for the future: he intends to continue his career for at least two more years, after which he plans to establish his own boxing school to shape a new generation of athletes. Usyk expressed these thoughts in an interview.

“By the time I turn 41 I will box. And then I will build a sports academy, where I will train and train”

– Oleksandr Usyk

Usyk, who will turn 39 in January, confirmed that his next fight is planned for 2026 after the July bout, when he defeated Daniel Dubois in the rematch for the championship belt.

In response to questions about his training he noted: “I train every day. I train with the aim of stepping into the ring next year and, with God’s help, achieving victory”.

“I train every day. I train with the aim of stepping into the ring next year and, with God’s help, achieving victory”

– Oleksandr Usyk

Before the rematch with Dubois, Usyk said there were two fights left to finish his career. “There are two fights left: this one and the next. I don’t know against whom, as I am focused only on Daniel”.

“There are two fights left: this one and the next. I don’t know against whom, as I am focused only on Daniel”

Since moving up to heavyweight, Usyk has typically fought about one bout per year. Only in 2024 did the Ukrainian fight twice for the world title – in the bout against Tyson Fury he secured a decision victory after 12 rounds.

After the second victory over Dubois, Usyk earned the mandatory challenger to defend the WBO belt – Joseph Parker of New Zealand. The bout was initially postponed due to a back injury, but later the date was agreed and prepared.

In addition to the WBO belt, Usyk holds the WBA, WBC, and IBF belts – he is the undisputed world heavyweight champion and for the second time in his career unified the division’s major titles after defeating Dubois in the fifth round.

Prospects and impact on the sport

Such plans underline Usyk’s ambition and his intention to leave a mark not only in the ring but also in the development of Ukrainian boxing: creating a sports academy will become a platform for future champions and coaches.