Alex Krassyuk, long-time associate and former promoter of Oleksandr Usyk, believes the reigning undisputed world heavyweight champion should consider retirement rather than facing newly crowned WBO interim titleholder Fabio Wardley.
Speaking to Boxing King Media, Krassyuk said he wants Usyk to follow the example of Lennox Lewis and walk away while on top. “I am public in my opinion - I want Usyk to retire as fast as possible,” he said. “I was even against his fight with [Daniel] Dubois, but okay, that made some sense to become three-time undisputed.”
Krassyuk argued that a matchup with Wardley, despite the Briton’s recent knockout win over Joseph Parker, lacks commercial and sporting appeal. “Give me one reason to fight Wardley,” he said. “With all respect to this guy, even money is not the reason - unless a miracle happens and someone pays $50 million to Usyk. Otherwise, it does not make sense. Why should he risk everything he’s gained over the last 13 years?”
Citing Lewis as a role model for retiring at the right time, Krassyuk added, “It is better to leave one hour early than two minutes too late. The status of Usyk being undisputed and unbeaten will stay with him until the end of his days.”
He also questioned whether Usyk, now 38, would have the same hunger for another long camp against a relatively unknown challenger. “If he still has the motivation to get up at 5 a.m., train three times a day, and be away from his family for months, then maybe yes. But Wardley is not a big name, and that fight would bring hard risk for little reward. It makes no sense.”
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