Oleksandr Usyk Heartbreakingly Set to Miss Out on Dream Fight, Says Klitschko Mentor
The boxing world is anticipating Oleksandr Usyk’s next move in the heavyweight division. Still, according to Bernd Boente, former 17-year manager of the Klitschkos and long-time Sky Germany and DAZN DACH commentator, Usyk may never get the chance to defend his world titles in Kyiv’s Olympic Stadium—a fight he has long dreamed of.
Boente, a two-time The Ring Magazine Manager of the Year and German Boxing Manager of the Year in 2017, exclusively told World Boxing News that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine makes the Kyiv dream fight unlikely.
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Kyiv Fight in Jeopardy
“Usyk doesn’t have anything to prove to anyone anymore,” Boente told WBN. “His dream is to defend his world titles in Kyiv’s Olympic Stadium after the war. But unfortunately, there are currently no signs that Russia will end its brutal war of aggression anytime soon.”
Boente also outlined Usyk’s potential path if he chooses to continue:
“With an undisputed champion like Usyk, waiting is always a problem for the official challengers. The winner of Parker vs. Wardley is next, and then hopefully Agit Kabayel sometime in 2026. However, if Usyk retires before then, Agit would immediately become WBC World Champion.”
A Career Defined by Mastery and Legacy
Boente praised Usyk’s recent performances and emphasized the importance of finishing a career at the top.
“I would like to see the great person and champion Oleksandr Usyk retire as reigning champion, like Rocky Marciano, Lennox Lewis, and Vitali Klitschko before him. He could even be the second heavyweight champion after Marciano to retire undefeated. Usyk delivered a terrific performance against Dubois. A sold-out Wembley Stadium and excellent PPV sales suggest that the rematch, after Dubois’ sensational KO victory over Anthony Joshua, was a complete commercial success.”
“Usyk has already achieved everything. The right path now is to retire while still at the top—that’s how true champions build legacies that last forever,” Boente added.
What’s Next for Usyk
If Usyk decides to continue fighting, the heavyweight division awaits. Boente noted that official challengers must plan around Usyk’s schedule, with names like Agit Kabayel and the Parker vs. Wardley winner poised for potential title shots.
However, retirement could make those matchups moot, instantly elevating challengers like Kabayel.
Usyk Career Highlights
2012: Wins Olympic Gold in Heavyweight (London).
2013: Turns professional at age 26, debuting on November 9.
2016: Captures WBO Cruiserweight title by defeating Krzysztof Głowacki.
2018: Becomes the undisputed Cruiserweight champion after defeating Murat Gassiev in the WBSS Final.
2019: Moves to Heavyweight, defeating Chazz Witherspoon.
2021: Beats Anthony Joshua to become Unified Heavyweight Champion (WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO).
2022: Successfully defends Unified Heavyweight titles in rematch against Anthony Joshua.
2023: Defends Unified Heavyweight titles against Daniel Dubois in Wrocław, Poland.
2024 (May): Defeats Tyson Fury via Split Decision to become Undisputed Heavyweight Champion (WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, and The Ring).
2024 (December): Defeats Tyson Fury via Unanimous Decision to successfully defend the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship.
2025: Reclaims undisputed heavyweight titles in a rematch against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
Analysis
Boente’s insights underscore the challenges elite champions face: balancing legacy, opportunity, and external factors beyond their control.
Usyk has accomplished nearly everything inside the ring, and his choices now, whether to retire or continue facing challengers, will define the lasting legacy of one of modern boxing’s greatest heavyweights.
