Home

Boxing

“I Have a Contract”: Snubbing UFC, Oleksandr Usyk Hints at Major Career Switch if He Beats Tyson Fury

Published Nov 14, 2023 | 2:45 AM EST

Follow Us

via Getty

In the world of heavy-hitting sports, surprises aren’t uncommon. But Oleksandr Usyk’s latest reveal? It’s a curveball. The heavyweight boxing champ, a master of the ring, teases a career twist that’s more about goals than punches. Imagine, a boxer swapping gloves for goalposts. FC Barcelona? The Red Devils? Or could it be his beloved FC Polissya Zhytomyr?

Usyk, in a recent interview with ESNews, dropped hints not about jabs or uppercuts, but about chasing a soccer ball. Not in a casual backyard match, but in a professional league. A heavyweight champion with a penchant for soccer isn’t your everyday sports story. Is this a temporary diversion or a new life chapter? But the question lingers – what’s with this footy fascination?

Usyk’s bold leap from ring to goalposts

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Oleksandr Usyk, known for his dominance in the boxing ring, might soon be making headlines on the soccer pitch. His affection for the beautiful game, specifically for Ukrainian club FC Polissya Zhytomyr, is well-documented. Usyk’s love for the game has often been a topic of interest, but it was during his recent interview with ESNews that he clarified his intentions.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

Joe Rogan Sums Up Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul in One Line

Ryan Garcia’s ‘Superhuman Baby’ Proposal Turns Engaged Claressa Shields’ World Upside Down

After Comparing Mike Tyson to a ‘Snake,’ Evander Holyfield Warns Jake Paul: “Everybody Gets Knocked Out Going Backwards”

“He’s Not Stuck in Dubai”: Floyd Mayweather’s $30,000 Act of Kindness Towards Homeless Men in LA Raises Questions About Gervonta Davis’ Bombshell Claim

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury Stats Comparison and Prediction: Record, Age, Height, Reach, Weight, and Knockout Ratio

The conversation unfolded intriguingly. “After you beat [Tyson] Fury, do you do UFC/MMA?” the interviewer asked. Usyk’s response was straightforward yet surprising: “I win, I will go and play football, I have a contract. Polissya number one!” The interviewer, taken aback, sought confirmation, “Really?” To which Usyk affirmed, “Yeah.”

This exchange marks a significant revelation from the boxing champion. It’s not just a passing comment but a declaration backed by a signed contract. His commitment to FC Polissya Zhytomyr, a club he’s shown support for in the past, now takes on a new dimension. The transition from the boxing ring to the pitch is a rare move, showing Usyk’s versatility and passion for sports beyond boxing.

New date for Oleksandr Usyk vs. Fury clash amid recovery speculations

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The highly anticipated bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury has finally been rescheduled, moving past mere speculation into the realm of certainty. Alexander Krassyuk, a key figure in the negotiations, has confirmed a new date for this heavyweight showdown, stating, “We have settled already the new date and next week we’re going to announce it.” This confirmation comes amid concerns about Fury’s recovery following his grueling fight with Francis Ngannou.

The late February timeline, hinted at by Krassyuk, indicates a careful consideration of the fighters’ wellbeing while maintaining the momentum of this titan clash. As the boxing world eagerly awaits the official announcement, the rescheduled fight promises to be a spectacle, offering a collision of skill and strength worth the extended anticipation.

Oleksandr Usyk’s revelation about his post-boxing aspirations and the rescheduling of his match with Tyson Fury offer a fascinating glimpse into the fluid dynamics of a professional athlete’s career. The upcoming bout, now set for late February, not only promises to be a thrilling encounter but also a precursor to Usyk’s remarkable career shift. What are your thoughts on this unexpected turn of events?

Watch this story: Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk Tentative Timeline

Written by:

Mrinal Mishra

1,563Articles

One take at a time

Mrinal Mishra is a Boxing Writer at EssentiallySports. With over 800+ articles published on ES, Mrinal is known for his extensive coverage of live events, including the recent Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo fight.
Show More>

Edited by:

Jayant Chhabra