Alexander Krassyuk, promoter of IBF, IBO, WBA, WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, believes his boxer has at least three more years left in his career.
During his boxing run, Usyk became the undisputed cruiserweight world champion in 2018. And now he’s one step away from potentially become the undisputed champion at heavyweight.
On February 17 in Saudi Arabia, Usyk will collide with WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. There is a two-way rematch clause involved with the agreement.
At 36-years-old, some wonder how much longer Usyk will continue with his career.
Some observers could see him retire after a two-fight series with Fury.
Krassyuk does not expect that scenario to happen.
“He’s 36 now and still has three years to go at his best. The only issue or concern we have is the health issue so that could be a problem. If his body is still ready to fight, then I don’t think he’s going to quit. Let me tell you, I have been dealing with Oleksandr Usyk since his first professional fight in 2013 and we have been very close with each other over the last 10 years, but he is a young kid in his soul and has never experienced retirement or really imagine how hard it is for a fighter to retire from boxing,” Krassyuk said to Betway.
“I just reminded Vitali Klitschko that he retired from boxing for four years and then came back and won the WBC belt. The reason was not for the money but because he was missing the sport. He was a politician already and a businessman, but he missed it so much and despite being over 50, he is still in training. The Mayor of Kyiv still misses it and when we speak about boxing, I still see the inspiration coming from Vitali.”