Oleksandr Usyk says next bout will be his last. Who will champ fight?

Oleksandr Usyk appears to be moving up the date of his retirement party, assuming he plans to celebrate.

“I’m vacating my unified WBA, IBF and WBC heavyweight world titles ahead of stepping into the ring for my final fight,” Usyk wrote on X Friday, June 26.

Usyk, the 39-year-old Ukrainian, is 25-0 and regarded as one of the world’s best pound-for-pound boxers. Not long ago, he said he would fight three more times. Those plans appear to have changed.

Usyk provided no information about the opponent for his last fight, and there will be no shortage of speculation.

He appeared to agree, albeit without enthusiasm, to a rematch with Rico Verhoeven after his controversial 11th-round TKO victory over the kickboxer. But it’s hard to imagine Usyk would subject himself to another struggle in the ring as a send-off.

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Previously, Usyk has expressed interest in fighting American Deontay Wilder, the former WBC heavyweight champion.

Until now, that WBC belt belonged to Usyk, and after Usyk’s bout against Verhoeven, the sanctioning body had ordered him to fight WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel. But Kabayel has limited marquee value.

He could await the winner of the fight between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley this fall if he wants a more extended break after his fight against Verhoeven on May 23.

A longshot matchup could feature David Benavidez, the unified cruiserweight champion.

Usyk was the undisputed cruiserweight champion before he moved up to the heavyweight division in 2024 when he beat Tyson Fury by split decision.