Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning WBC heavyweight champion, seems to be navigating the final chapters of his remarkable career on his own terms. His recent decision to bypass the top contenders in the division strongly indicates a strategic, self-managed exit from professional boxing.

Usyk is scheduled to defend his WBC heavyweight title against long-time GLORY kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven. This intriguing crossover bout, titled “Glory in Giza,” is set for May 23rd in the ancient city of Giza, Egypt.