Oleksandr Usyk admits he has much work to do to eradicate corruption from boxing as he gazes into the future of his career
When Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury on 18 May, the Ukrainian became the first man to conquer the heavyweight division since Lennox Lewis in 1999. 'The Cat' was crowned the undisputed heavyweight world champion, a career-defining moment, but he knows he still has much more to do.
During a recent interview with Mail Sport Boxing, Usyk was candid about his future in the sport after essentially 'completing' boxing. Having won an Olympic gold medal and being one of three male boxers to have won undisputed world titles in two weight divisions, there is little left for him to accomplish in the sport.
But the 37-year-old is eager to change the level of corruption in boxing, particularly in the amateur ranks. During his recent interview, he shed light on why he had few celebrations after beating Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion, saying this:
"I have a lot of work, I must change the boxing world... Boxing must change. The number of corruption schemes in boxing should decrease... World amateur boxing [is most corrupt]."
Catch Oleksandr Usyk's comments below (1:18):
Oleksandr Usyk welcomes trilogy with Anthony Joshua after Tyson Fury rematch
Oleksandr Usyk handed Tyson Fury the first defeat of his career when the pair clashed in May. Following a competitive 12-round clash, Usyk was awarded a split-decision victory to lay claim to the coveted title of undisputed heavyweight champion.
'The Gyspy King' has since activated the rematch clause in his contract, and the pair are scheduled to clash for a second time in December 2024.
The Ukrainian is confident he will have his hand raised again, and during his recent interview with Mail Sport Boxing, he discussed potential opponents he could face after his upcoming fight with Fury.
Having already fought and beaten Anthony Joshua twice, 'The Cat' welcomed a trilogy bout with Joshua.
'AJ' also has a scheduled opponent already, an IBF title fight with fellow Brit and former opponent of Usyk, Daniel Dubois. The 37-year-old expects Joshua to defeat Dubois, and during his aforementioned interview, said this:
"I don't particularly want any rematches. But when I beat Tyson Fury for a second time and when Anthony Joshua beats Daniel Dubois, of course they will want to do a third fight, yes? From my point of view, I have no right to deny Anthony Joshua a third fight." [15:30-16:02 in Oleksandr Usyk's aforementioned interview]