Oleksandr Usyk’s former promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, sees no sense in a fight with Fabio Wardley.
The K2 Promotions Chief had, up until Usyk’s last outing against Daniel Dubois, been a pivotal figure in the Ukrainian’s team.
Frank Warren reveals Oleksandr Usyk vs Fabio Wardley target date and teases Wembley showdown
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Wardley announced himself on the world stage on Saturday nightCredit: Getty
However, in June, the pair went their separate ways on amicable terms.
Now, Krassyuk is watching on with frustration from the sidelines as his former client edges towards an inevitable clash with Wardley.
The Brit stunned Joseph Parker on Saturday night to claim the WBO interim heavyweight title and a spot as Usyk’s mandatory challenger.
Usyk had been ordered to fight the winner, and recent comments from his advisor Sergey Lapin suggest the undisputed heavyweight king will fulfil his obligation with the WBO.
Krassyuk had urged his friend and business partner to hang up his gloves after beating Tyson Fury for a second fight last December.
It is, therefore, no surprise that he doesn’t think Usyk should ‘risk’ his legacy against Wardley.
“I am public in my [opinion], I want Usyk to retire as fast as possible,” Krassyuk told Boxing King Media.
“I was even against his fight with [Daniel] Dubois, but okay, that made some sense to become three-time undisputed…
“Give me one – not two, not three – but one reason to fight Wardley.
“With all respect to this guy, with all the credit to him, but I am thinking from Usyk’s perspective.
Frank Warren reveals Oleksandr Usyk vs Fabio Wardley target date and teases Wembley showdown
“Even money is not the reason – unless a miracle happens and the magician comes in the helicopter with all the money and distributes it to try and conquer the land of boxing and paying, I don’t know, 50 million to Usyk. Then it might make sense.
“Otherwise, it does not make sense. Why should he risk everything that he gained over the last 13 years?
“If he loses, people will remember his loss only. Lennox Lewis is the best role model for this; it is better to leave one hour [early] than two minutes [too late].
“I am on the same page as many people who think about this strategically.
“The status of Usyk being undisputed, and being unbeaten, will stay with him until the end of his days.”
Krassyuk is also concerned about whether Usyk has the drive to put in the hard yards as he nears his 39th birthday.
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Usyk holds all the belts at heavyweightCredit: GETTY
“If [Usyk] has the motivation to get up at 5 o’clock in the morning, train three times, be away from his family for three or four months, to work hard, then probably yes, it makes sense [to continue fighting],” added Krassyuk.
“But will it bring him what he’s expecting to [earn]?
“Again, with all respect to Fabio Wardley, he is not a big name; it will be a fight between Usyk and an opponent, not generating [enough money at the] gate and Usyk taking a hard, stupid risk. It makes no sense.”
How long will Oleksandr Usyk continue competing?
Usyk had previously suggested that his next fight would be his last.
However, he has since made a dramatic U-turn by declaring his intentions to box until he is 41 years old.
‘The Cat’ is expected to return to the ring in the new year, with negotiations already underway.
Wardley is the frontrunner, although a trilogy with Fury is also being eyed by Queensberry Promotions.