He’s Proven Everything – Is Krassyuk Quietly Pushing Usyk Into Retirement?

Oleksandr Usyk knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round of their July 19, 2025 fight, silencing doubters once again. But while fans were still celebrating the knockout, a bombshell statement from Usyk’s longtime promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, raised a chilling possibility: this might have been Usyk’s final appearance in a boxing ring. Just when the narrative should have been about dominance, legacy, and what’s next—suddenly, the conversation turned to retirement.

The Shocking Statement That Sparked It All

Speaking to World Boxing News, Krassyuk didn’t mince words. “I don’t see him stepping back into the ring anymore – at least not in boxing. He’s proven everything. There’s nothing left to accomplish,” he said. And while that could be read as praise, the undertone was unmistakable: a push, or at the very least, a public nudge toward walking away.

What made the comment even more compelling was Krassyuk’s follow-up statement on his personal platforms, where he insisted that as Usyk’s friend, he would “do everything in his power” to convince the Ukrainian superstar to hang up the gloves. For someone so closely tied to Usyk’s rise, this wasn’t a casual comment—it was a signal.

A Career That Left Nothing Undone?

Usyk’s achievements speak for themselves. An Olympic gold medalist. Undisputed cruiserweight champion. Unified heavyweight champion. Victories over Anthony Joshua (twice), and now Daniel Dubois. For traditionalists, his resume is already Hall of Fame-worthy. But does proving everything really mean it’s time to stop?

According to The Express Tribune, Usyk himself had previously stated that he only planned to fight two more times before calling it a career. With Dubois checked off the list, that leaves just one more potential bout. And fans already have their hopes pinned on a blockbuster trilogy fight with none other than Tyson Fury.

The Tyson Fury Factor The Usyk-Fury saga has been boxing’s great “what if.” After their heated clash and split results in 2024 and early 2025, a third fight seems inevitable. Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, has hinted that talks are underway to make this showdown happen as a proper sendoff—for one, or perhaps both, legends. Can Usyk truly walk away without completing the trilogy? Would it feel unfinished?

The Divide in Boxing Circles

Promoter Eddie Hearn, never one to shy away from bold opinions, sided with Krassyuk’s sentiment. In a recent interview cited by Diario AS, Hearn noted that Usyk has “nothing left to prove” and should consider stepping away while he’s still on top—and healthy. This is not just a business take; it reflects a broader concern in the sport about overextending careers past their prime.

But on the other end, Usyk himself hasn’t confirmed anything definitive. According to Reuters, while he did acknowledge the physical and emotional toll of the fight game, he made it clear that he isn’t done yet. “I need rest. I need to be with my family. But I’ll be back,” he said. That small phrase, “I’ll be back,” was all fans needed to hang on to hope.

Retirement, or Strategic Pause?

So what are we really looking at? A full retirement announcement? Or just a well-deserved break before one last dance?

In boxing, announcements rarely tell the whole story. Public statements often serve as negotiation tactics, emotional buffers, or headline-grabbing distractions. Could Krassyuk’s words be part of a grander plan? Perhaps to build intrigue, pressure promoters, or heighten anticipation for a mega-fight farewell?

A Fighter’s Identity Beyond the Ring There’s also the personal angle. Usyk has always spoken about his family, his faith, and the need for balance. In a sport that demands sacrifice, he has consistently shown a side of himself that values more than just belts. Is he preparing mentally to live life without the roar of the crowd?

If so, he wouldn’t be the first. Many fighters reach a point where the hunger fades, and no payday or legacy talk can reignite it. If Krassyuk sees that in Usyk, then maybe his words weren’t just promotional noise—they were a protective act.

What Happens Next?

As of now, no official retirement has been announced. But one thing is certain: the wheels are turning. The Usyk team is either plotting the final chapter, or bracing for an unexpected one. And fans? They’re left hanging between hope and heartbreak.

Whether the next announcement is about another title defense or a farewell fight with Fury, Usyk’s next move could reshape the heavyweight division for years to come.

So is this really the end? Or is the final act still being written behind closed doors?

Only Usyk knows. But everyone’s watching.