Oleksandr Usyk’s advisor Sergey Lapin says it is possible fans have already watched Usyk compete for the final time, revealing the two-weight undisputed champion is weighing retirement alongside a potential fight with mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel.
Lapin spoke to Snabbare ahead of a June 30 WBC deadline for a Kabayel fight agreement.
Agit Kabayel is an excellent fighter, a worthy champion, and a man we respect. There is nothing personal here, but fights of this magnitude are not made through social media or public pressure. Oleksandr has spent his career proving who he is. At this stage, the question is no longer what Usyk owes anyone. The question is what kind of event can be built? A serious offer, backed by serious people, the right commercial structure, broadcasters and site fee support, is how the biggest fights in the world are made. If the numbers and the opportunity make sense for everyone, then everything is possible. We are open to serious business, not noise.
Lapin said the fight can happen under the right circumstances but that other paths exist if the commercial structure is not there.
Nothing personal and nothing emotional will prevent this fight from happening with Agit. But if there is no serious commercial structure behind the fight then it becomes difficult to justify. If the right opportunity presents itself, the fight can happen. If not, there are other paths and other major opportunities available.
He closed with a direct acknowledgment that Usyk’s career may already be over.
Oleksandr has earned the right to carefully evaluate every option. A decision will be made by the end of this week and everyone will know where we stand. Clarity is coming very soon. But one thing people should remember: When a fighter has achieved everything Oleksandr has achieved, every appearance becomes special. It is possible that fans have already seen him in the ring for the last time. Or maybe there is still one more chapter left. We will know very soon.
Usyk, 25-0, last fought in May when he stopped Rico Verhoeven in the 11th round in a controversial finish that appeared to come after the bell. The WBC mandated he next defend against Kabayel under the terms of his Verhoeven fight sanction.