Demetrious Johnson would like to see Oleksandr Usyk quit while he’s ahead.
Returning to Kingdom Arena in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh, Usyk delivered a career-defining performance against Tyson Fury to become the first unified heavyweight boxing world champion in more than two decades.
Tyson Fury Vs Oleksandr Usyk:
The greatest heavyweight fight of the 21st century?
— Lineal Boxing Champion (@LinealBoxChamp) May 20, 2024
Though the victory came via split decision, there was little controversy as practically everyone was convinced that ‘The Cat’ had done more than enough to win — particularly with his ninth-round onslaught — but whether or not you agreed with the ruling, a rematch between the two heavyweight icons is on the way.
“The hardest thing is that they said there’s an automatic rematch [clause] in their contract for these gentlemen, so there’s no brainer that you’re going to have Tyson Fury vs Usyk 2,” Johnson said on his YouTube channel following the critically acclaimed clash.
“Now I would like to see Usyk fight Anthony Joshua because he’s beat Anthony Joshua twice and Joshua just knocked out Francis Ngannou so I would love to see that…. [But] If Usyk decided not to defend the belt [and] decided to retire, I would be completely happy with that.”
Demetrious Johnson Implores Oleksandr Usyk to Walk Away While He’s on Top
At 22-0, Oleksandr Usyk has accomplished everything he set out to do. He is an Olympic gold medalist, a former unified cruiserweight champion, and now the undisputed king of the heavyweight division. With nothing more to prove, ‘Mighty Mouse’ believes Usyk should strongly consider taking the Floyd Mayweather route and announce his retirement while he’s still on top.
“I think this is the point of time where if he was Floyd Mayweather 50-0 [who] left the sport on top as champion, I think this would be a monumental moment for Usyk to do that exact same thing,” Johnson added. Leave while you’re on top while you’re the best in the world, don’t give anybody the opportunity to take away what you’ve done in being undefeated in your whole entire career and capturing your ultimate dream and goal, which is to be the undisputed heavyweight king of the world.”
Johnson continued, “This gentleman has won every single thing [possible]; he’s won Olympic gold medals, he’s won the Golden Glove, he’s won absolutely everything you could have done. He’s undefeated, he just beat the Gypsy King Tyson Fury, there’s nothing left he can prove.”
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