Ukrainian boxing icon, Oleksandr Usyk, has said he is taking a well-deserved break to reconnect with his family following his commanding victory over British fighter Daniel Dubois on Saturday night.
The win cements Usyk’s status as a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.
Usyk floored Dubois twice in the fifth round, first with a sharp combination and then with a powerful lunging left hook after Dubois misfired with a right hand.
The dominant display allowed Usyk to retain his WBA, WBC, and WBO titles, while reclaiming the IBF belt he had vacated over a year ago.
Speaking to DAZN after the bout, the 37-year-old southpaw expressed admiration for Dubois’ effort but made it clear that he would not be returning to the ring anytime soon.
“I’m sorry, Dubois, it’s sport. My people wanted this win,” Usyk told DAZN.
“Nothing is next. It’s enough. Next, I want to rest. My family, my wife, my children, I want to rest now. Two or three months, I want to just rest.”
Dubois, who now holds a record of 22 wins and 3 losses (with 21 knockouts), becomes the third major British heavyweight, alongside Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, to suffer defeat at the hands of the skilled Ukrainian.
Usyk had previously reigned as the undisputed cruiserweight champion before making his move to the heavyweight division six years ago.
Now, with another monumental victory under his belt, Usyk is choosing rest over rivalry, at least for the next few months.
