Knockout Artist Who Lost To Oleksandr Usyk Admits He’s “Too Good” And Ends Hopes Of Rematch
Oleksandr Usyk is expected to announce his next opponent soon.
The Ukrainian last fought in December when he defeated Tyson Fury in their rematch, coming out on top by unanimous decision to retain his WBC, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles.
It was the second straight victory for Usyk over Fury, having also beaten ‘The Gypsy King’ by split decision last May to become undisputed heavyweight champion.
Oleksandr Usyk vacated the IBF belt after that meeting, which is now in the possession of big-punching Daniel Dubois, who has picked up stoppage wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and most recently Anthony Joshua in his last three fights.
A rematch between Usyk and Dubois has now been touted, after the pair originally met in August 2023. It was a controversial bout, with Dubois believing he had dropped the Ukrainian with a body shot, only for it to be ruled as a low blow.
Usyk recovered and claimed a ninth round stoppage victory, and now nearly two years later it looks as if the two men could be set to meet again.
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There is another fighter that is no longer interested in a rematch with Usyk though, and that is former undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev.
Beterbiev previously lost to Usyk in the amateurs, and once revealed he was keen on a rematch in the professional ranks at cruiserweight.
“I repeat, from a pure sporting perspective I would be interested in this fight, of course, because we boxed in the Olympics and the World Championships as amateurs.
It would be interesting to try as professionals, not for money, although money would be nice, but my interest in this fight would be purely sporting, much more than monetary. Much more.”
However, Beterbiev has since admitted to Fight Hub TV that he isn’t keen on the bout anymore, even if Usyk were to move back down to 200lbs.
“No, he’s too strong for me you know. He’s like heavyweight you know it’s too strong even if he came back down. He’s too strong [even at cruiserweight], too good.”
Beterbiev was last in action in February when he lost his undisputed titles in his rematch with Dmitry Bivol, and he’s explained what he expects to do next.
