Oleksandr Usyk has triggered speculation regarding his future by separating from his long-term promoter Alex Krassyuk.
The 38 year old is to contest the undisputed heavyweight title against Daniel Dubois at London’s Wembley Stadium on July 19.
There were already observers of his remarkable career who expected the rematch with Dubois – the IBF champion, from England – to be his last, and the departure of K2 Promotions’ Krassyuk from his team after 23 fights as a professional since 2013 will enhance their belief.
Usyk-Dubois II is being promoted by Queensberry Promotions, Dubois’ long-term promoter, and Krassyuk posted on social media: “It’s been a tremendous journey – 12 years of unbelievable success.
“Two young dreamers met each other to change the game. Back in 2013, I gave you my word – and I kept it.
“At the time no one believed we were capable of achieving what we set out to do. But by the grace of God, we completed the mission impossible.
“A dream come true. Thank you for all we’ve gone through and for the honor to be the lifetime promoter of the double undisputed [champion].”
In addition to Ukraine’s Usyk winning the undisputed heavyweight title with the first of two victories over Tyson Fury in 2024, he twice defeated Fury’s fellow Briton Anthony Joshua after moving up from cruiserweight, where he was also the undisputed champion.
The controversy – whether justified or not – that lingers from his victory over Dubois in 2023 on an evening when Usyk went down after Dubois landed a punch considered by some to be a low blow and others to be legal perhaps makes Dubois his last truly lucrative match-up.
