Teddy Atlas suggests an unexpected option for Usyk’s farewell fight

Renowned American trainer Teddy Atlas does not rule out that undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk could choose an unconventional opponent for his final fight.

“He’s like a machine: the Olympics, unifying all the cruiserweight titles, all the victories. Then — becoming a heavyweight champion.

But now, when he understands that his career is nearing its end, maybe he wants to do it a bit differently — to step outside the usual boundaries. And part of that could be a fight with Pereira.

Pereira is not a classic boxer, but he is a big name. He’s a scary opponent, seen as a sort of ‘boogeyman’ in his environment — in the UFC, in MMA. And what could be a better way to end a career?” Atlas said.

In July, Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) defeated Daniel Dubois by knockout in the fifth round in their rematch, becoming an undisputed world champion for the third time. The most likely next opponent for the Ukrainian is interim WBO champion Fabio Wardley.