Usyk’s 2024 ring activity and its aftermath
World champion Oleksandr Usyk has signaled two more fights before stepping away from boxing, a plan that drew attention from Sky Sports and fans alike. The statement set the stage for a year of hard training and high expectations as the Ukrainian cruiserweight turned heavyweight contended with a demanding schedule and the pressure of legacy.
The upcoming bout would feature the winner of Parker versus Dubois, and Usyk indicated he would be ready to face that victor. He noted that he had trained for roughly two and a half years, felt excellent, and was prepared for two more wars, no more beyond that. The sense was not merely about combat but about timing, stamina, and closing a storied chapter on his own terms.
In 2024 the Ukrainian boxer stepped into the ring twice, each time opposite a British fighter associated with Tyson Fury. The two performances were watched closely as Usyk pursued continued dominance in the heavyweight ranks and continued to shape the narrative around his career at the pinnacle of the sport.
The May encounter is remembered as a turning point, with Fury, long regarded as nearly invincible, appearing to lose by a judges’ decision. That result helped Usyk claim a momentous status in the boxing world, though the belt situation then shifted in a way that aligned with IBF protocol and the evolving landscape of championships in the heavyweight division.
On December 21 a second clash took place between Usyk and a British Fury affiliate, and the judges scored the fight in Usyk’s favor with 116-112, 116-112, 116-112. Reports also noted that an AI scoring system evaluated the bout and assigned Usyk a 118-112 score in its assessment, reflecting ongoing interest in technology’s role in judging boxing matches.
Earlier in the year Usyk faced criticism and accusations of betrayal from some observers, a narrative that underscored the pressures and scrutiny that accompany a fighter navigating public expectations, national pride, and a high-stakes career. The period surrounding these events highlighted the complicated dynamics of modern boxing, where performance, media narratives, and strategic choices all intersect in the spotlight.