Oleksandr Usyk’s Final Wish: The Dream Opponent Before Retirement

As Oleksandr Usyk edges closer to hanging up his gloves, the boxing world is buzzing with one burning question: who will be his final opponent? The Ukrainian champion, who conquered both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, may have just one fight left before retirement. From Jai Opetaia’s technical brilliance to Moses Itauma’s explosive youth—and even the WBO’s push for Joseph Parker—Usyk’s last wish inside the ring could shape how history remembers his legacy.

The Countdown to Usyk’s Last Fight

Oleksandr Usyk’s boxing journey has been nothing short of legendary. From conquering the cruiserweight division to dethroning Anthony Joshua and unifying titles at heavyweight, Usyk has etched his name among the sport’s greatest champions. Yet, all careers, no matter how extraordinary, eventually reach their closing chapters. According to multiple reports, Usyk may have only one more fight left before he hangs up the gloves for good.

That possibility instantly raises one burning question: who will Usyk face in his final battle?

For fans and pundits alike, the answer isn’t just about spectacle—it’s about legacy. Usyk’s last opponent could define how future generations remember his reign. While some insiders point to mandatory obligations imposed by boxing organizations, others hint at two names that could truly challenge Usyk in ways we haven’t seen before.

One of those insiders is Mairis Briedis, Usyk’s former rival, who arguably gave the Ukrainian his toughest test at cruiserweight. Recently, Briedis revealed the fighters he believes are capable of not just troubling Usyk—but even defeating him. His words have sparked a heated debate across the boxing community.

Usyk’s Retirement Talk: Why His Next Fight Matters So Much

At 37 years old, Oleksandr Usyk has accomplished nearly everything a boxer could dream of. He is an undisputed cruiserweight champion, a unified heavyweight champion, and the man who defeated some of the biggest names in the sport. Yet, unlike other champions who drag out their careers, Usyk has hinted at walking away at the peak of his powers.

If he truly retires after his next fight, that single bout transforms from just another title defense into an event of historic significance. Fans want to see him challenged, pushed, maybe even tested in ways that force him to reveal another layer of greatness.

This is why speculation about his opponent is so intense. A mismatch would feel anticlimactic. But a truly worthy challenger could cement Usyk’s career as one of the greatest exits in boxing history.

Mairis Briedis: The Man Who Knows Usyk Best

Before discussing Usyk’s potential opponents, it’s worth revisiting Mairis Briedis, because his perspective carries weight. In 2018, Usyk and Briedis fought in the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight semifinal—a fight many still consider the toughest test of Usyk’s career at that weight.

That night, Briedis pushed Usyk to his limits. The fight went the distance, with scorecards showing razor-thin margins. Some fans even argued Briedis deserved the nod. Ultimately, Usyk advanced, later becoming undisputed cruiserweight champion, but the Latvian’s performance remains a benchmark.

Because Briedis has felt Usyk’s power, footwork, and ring IQ firsthand, his analysis of who could trouble Usyk carries credibility. And recently, he dropped two surprising names into the conversation: Jai Opetaia and Moses Itauma.

Jai Opetaia: The Cruiserweight King Looking to Climb

The Profile

• Nationality: Australian

• Division: Cruiserweight (IBF and The Ring Champion)

• Record: 28 wins (22 by knockout), 0 losses

Jai Opetaia has quickly established himself as a force in the cruiserweight division. His combination of speed, power, and technical polish makes him one of the most dangerous men at 200 pounds. Unlike many cruisers who rely on one dimension, Opetaia brings balance: sharp counterpunching, relentless combinations, and knockout ability.

Why He Could Trouble Usyk

For Usyk, who also dominated cruiserweight, a fight against Opetaia would feel like facing a younger version of himself. Both men are southpaws, both rely heavily on angles, and both are exceptional movers for their size.

The question is whether Opetaia can carry that skill set into heavyweight. So far, he has never fought above cruiserweight, meaning he’d face significant challenges against the larger men of the division. Still, if he were to make the jump to heavyweight and immediately face Usyk, it could create a fascinating “passing of the torch” scenario.

The Risks

While Opetaia’s talent is undeniable, moving up in weight is no small task. Usyk himself had to adjust significantly when transitioning from cruiserweight to heavyweight. Against Anthony Joshua, he proved his style could translate, but not every fighter can replicate that success.

If Opetaia cannot carry his power and durability into the heavyweight ranks, he could struggle against Usyk’s size and championship-level experience.

Moses Itauma: The “New Mike Tyson”

The Profile

• Nationality: British

• Division: Heavyweight

• Age: Just 19 years old

• Notable Win: Knocked out Dillian Whyte in under two minutes (August 2025)

If Opetaia represents the technical challenge, then Moses Itauma represents the raw, explosive danger. Dubbed the “New Mike Tyson,” Itauma has quickly become one of boxing’s most talked-about prospects. At just 19 years old, he already has highlight-reel knockouts that fuel comparisons to one of the sport’s most feared champions.

Why He Could Trouble Usyk

Unlike Opetaia, Itauma is already fighting at heavyweight. He brings youth, size, and ferocious punching power. His ability to stop Dillian Whyte in under two minutes sent shockwaves through the division and positioned him as a rising star who may be ready sooner than expected.

For Usyk, facing Itauma would be a high-risk, high-reward proposition. The Ukrainian thrives on outboxing bigger men, but Itauma’s explosiveness could pose real problems. If Itauma can cut off the ring and land clean, he has the type of power that can change a fight in seconds.

The Risks

Of course, Itauma’s youth cuts both ways. At just 19, he lacks the experience of veterans who have been through wars. Usyk’s tactical mastery, patience, and ability to adapt could easily expose gaps in Itauma’s game. In many ways, it would be a battle of wisdom versus youth, technique versus power.

The Joseph Parker Factor: WBO’s Mandatory Challenge

While fans and insiders speculate about dream matchups, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) has a different plan. The WBO has ordered Usyk to defend his title against Joseph Parker, a former WBO champion who has rebuilt his career in recent years.

This complicates matters. Even if Usyk wants Opetaia or Itauma, boxing politics could force him into a less glamorous but still competitive fight with Parker. While Parker is experienced and durable, the matchup doesn’t carry the same intrigue as the other names.

If the fight does happen, it would likely be scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026, making it potentially Usyk’s swan song. Whether fans accept Parker as a worthy final opponent remains to be seen.

Analytical Breakdown

Legacy Implications: What Each Fight Means

• Vs. Jai Opetaia: A battle of technical southpaws that could be framed as Usyk’s toughest stylistic test since Briedis. If Usyk wins, it cements his dominance over cruiserweight and its successors.

• Vs. Moses Itauma: A dramatic clash of eras. If Usyk defeats the “New Tyson,” it shows that even youth and raw power cannot overcome elite skill. If Itauma wins, it signals a new generation taking over.

• Vs. Joseph Parker: A solid but less thrilling option. A win would be expected, while a loss would be a shocking end to Usyk’s career.

Conclusion: Usyk’s Final Choice

Oleksandr Usyk’s next opponent will define not only the last chapter of his career but also his place in boxing history. Fans dream of a matchup against Jai Opetaia or Moses Itauma, both of whom represent unique and dangerous challenges. Yet, the reality of boxing politics means Joseph Parker may end up being the mandatory choice.

Regardless of who stands across the ring, Usyk’s final fight will be a global event. For a fighter who has spent his career chasing challenges and embracing risks, it feels only fitting that his last opponent should embody that same spirit.

As September approaches and negotiations unfold, the world waits for Usyk’s decision. One thing is certain: whether it’s Opetaia, Itauma, or Parker, Oleksandr Usyk’s farewell will be one of the most anticipated fights of this generation.