Russ Anber: “As a friend, I’d like Usyk to walk away from boxing”

Russ Anber, cutman to undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, shared his thoughts on the Ukrainian’s future. Anber admitted he’s torn between wanting to see Usyk in the ring many more times and recognizing that the best moment to retire is to leave undefeated, at the peak of his fame.

“Joseph Parker, like Dubois, earned his shot at the undisputed heavyweight title the honest way, but little would make me happier than seeing Oleksandr finish his career at the very top.

Against Dubois Oleksandr looked so good again that the selfish part of me wants him to keep fighting and remain part of our team—he’s been central to some of the brightest moments of my career.

But as a friend, I’d like him to leave the sport holding all four belts—before any organization tries to spoil his legacy by stripping one or more titles. He deserves to be remembered among the best. In 22 fights he’s achieved everything.”

On 19 July, Oleksandr Usyk (24‑0, 15 KOs) knocked out Daniel Dubois (22‑3, 21 KOs) in the fifth round to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.