Should Oleksandr Usyk retire? Teddy Atlas provides his verdict on undisputed champion

Teddy Atlas believes that Oleksandr Usyk should continue with his boxing career. 

The magical Ukrainian's next move is still unconfirmed, but it does look like he could step into the ring with Fabio Wardley next year. 

Last weekend, Wardley scored the biggest win of his career as he stopped Joseph Parker in the closing stages to land himself a world title shot next year.  

Wardley’s win followed further successes where he had emphatically stopped Frazer Clarke and Justis Huni, but stepping up to face Usyk is an altogether different task. 

The current undisputed champion has not fought since July when he stopped Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, but he continues to be linked to many huge fights with Wardley, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua all speculated to challenge Usyk in 2026. 

Atlas, the former trainer of Mike Tyson, is a huge admirer of Usyk, and he thinks that there is still plenty left for the unbeaten star to offer. 

“He's not showing cracks. He takes very good care of himself. He doesn't have any bad habits, as far as we know to impair him physically in any way,” said Atlas when speaking to OLBG. 

“So there's no reason to stop doing something if you've been given a gift to do it better than someone else. Do it and fulfil that great gift. Completely fulfil it by bringing it to its proper place of final destination. 

“Get the most of it. And then walk away without abusing it, without overstaying your welcome, without getting greedy.” 

Watch Buatsi vs. Parker live on DAZN

Joshua Buatsi vs. Zach Parker is live on DAZN this Saturday night, November 1. Watch the fight and whole card with a DAZN subscription.

Annual and monthly options available, click here for pricing and options.