Alex Krassyuk, the long-term promoter for Oleksandr Usyk, has urged the undisputed heavyweight champion to consider immediate retirement following his recent grueling encounter with Rico Verhoeven. Speaking on May 25, 2026, Krassyuk expressed concern over the physical toll the sport is taking on the Ukrainian star, suggesting that despite his technical brilliance, the natural process of aging is beginning to impact his performance in the ring.
The call for retirement comes after Oleksandr Usyk stopped the former kickboxing standout Rico Verhoeven at the end of the 11th round over the weekend. Although the champion secured the victory, Alex Krassyuk noted that the fight felt like a “miracle” that should serve as a warning. He revealed that he personally had the champion trailing seven rounds to three on his own scorecard entering the 11th, a stark departure from the clinical dominance usually associated with the heavyweight king.
Krassyuk’s assessment emphasized that while a fighter’s IQ and experience remain, physical attributes eventually fade. “We are not getting younger with the time, and this is natural,” Krassyuk remarked. He highlighted that Rico Verhoeven entered the bout with a significant weight advantage of 15 kilograms of “effective muscle,” which placed immense mental and physical pressure on the champion throughout the contest.
Alex Krassyuk identifies signs of physical decline in Oleksandr Usyk
The promoter pointed to specific tactical shifts as evidence that the champion’s elite mobility is waning. Historically known for his exceptional footwork, the veteran appeared to be more stationary than in previous outings. Alex Krassyuk observed that the amount of steps the champion made in the ring has significantly declined, a trend he traces back to the defensive performance against Daniel Dubois.
Instead of relying on his signature “cat-like” movement to outbox opponents, the 39-year-old champion is increasingly planting his feet to find harder power shots. This adjustment often indicates that a fighter’s legs can no longer sustain a high-volume, movement-based strategy over 12 rounds. Krassyuk warned that this “vector” or tendency is a worrying sign for his “brother,” Oleksandr Usyk, as he continues to face elite competition.
This physical toll is a common theme for aging heavyweights who have spent years in high-stakes “wars.” While the ongoing rivalry with Tyson Fury has defined his recent career, the accumulation of these battles may be reaching a point of diminishing returns. Krassyuk believes the time is right to walk away before a serious disaster occurs on the world stage.
The psychological burden of maintaining an unblemished legacy
Beyond the physical challenges, Alex Krassyuk noted the unique psychological pressure Oleksandr Usyk faces compared to his challengers. Against an opponent like Rico Verhoeven, the heavyweight champion risked his entire fame, glory, and legacy on a single night. In contrast, Rico Verhoeven had everything to gain and nothing to lose by sharing the ring with the world’s top heavyweight.
Krassyuk argued that it is better to leave the sport “one hour before than two minutes after” a career-ending setback. He suggested that the “miracle” finish in the 11th round should be viewed as a signal to be detected rather than an invitation to continue. For a man who has already achieved undisputed status in two divisions, the risk of a late-career loss could tarnish how he is remembered by future generations.
Promoter suggests family and business as next career steps
In a heartfelt recommendation, Alex Krassyuk stated that if he were to advise the champion on his “next opponent,” it would involve his family. He named Usyk’s wife, Katarina, along with his daughters Maria and Lisa and his sons, as the priorities the fighter should focus on now. Family matters and existing business issues, according to Krassyuk, are more important than pursuing “all the monies of the world.”
Despite these warnings, the champion’s future remains the subject of intense speculation within the industry. There is already talk of a potential clash with mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel or even a rematch with Rico Verhoeven following the controversial nature of the stoppage. Such bouts would offer immense financial rewards but would also force Usyk back into the grueling training camps Krassyuk fears are becoming too much.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Oleksandr Usyk, who has previously indicated he intended to fight a few more times before hanging up the gloves. However, Krassyuk’s public intervention serves as a sobering reminder of the thin line between greatness and the inevitable decline that awaits every athlete. “I wish him to retire at his prime and be remembered in ages as one of the most prominent and greatest fighters of all time,” Krassyuk concluded.
