Oleksandr Usyk told to retire immediately for one major reason

Oleksandr Usyk has been urged to retire at the top of his game and avoid suffering a 'sad ending'.

The 38-year-old returned to the ring back in July and became a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion after knocking out Daniel Dubois in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. Earlier this year, the Ukrainian revealed he has two more fights in him before he officially calls it a day.

With Usyk expected to compete one more time, Joseph Parker has emerged as the frontrunner. Soon after his win over Dubois, the Ukrainian was ordered to defend his WBO heavyweight title against Parker - or risks losing the coveted strap. It was later revealed that Usyk requested an extension on negotiations to fight the Kiwi heavyweight due to injury.

However, recent footage of Usyk dancing has gone viral online, and Parker's team have questioned the seriousness of the heavyweight king's injury. Despite targeting one more fight, Teddy Atlas has urged the Ukrainian - who turns 39 in January - to walk away from the sport now as he believes there are ‘too many sad endings’ in boxing.

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Speaking to Grosvenor Casinos, Atlas said: "I’ve seen too many sad endings, Usyk should retire … I’ve seen too many sad endings. I’ve seen the Muhammad Ali’s. I’ve seen other guys that get less fanfare, but it’s no less terrible to witness.” Ali - who is regarded as the greatest boxer in the history of the sport - suffered serious health issues towards the end of his career and thereafter.

In his final two fights against Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick in 1980 and 1981 respectively, it was well known that Ali’s health had began to deteriorate. He officially called it a day after suffering back-to-back defeat to the aforementioned legends. “I want to see a happy ending to this great movie," Atlas continued.

"This Usyk movie has inspired so many people in so many ways outside of boxing, so that’s what I want. I know I’m not going to get it. I know that. I’m not saying he has to do it. I’m not saying he shouldn’t continue. He’s still in his prime in many ways. I understand all that. I just understand that my business is one of the most unforgiving businesses in the world.”

With talks over a potential Usyk vs Parker bout, Team Usyk's Sergey Lapin recently hit back at Team Parker after the latter's camp questioned the Ukrainian's injury. “People can talk [about Usyk’s injury] but those close to boxing know the price of preparation at this level. We don’t make decisions for the sake of talking, we make them for results," Lapin told Fruity King.

“Joseph Parker is experienced and has character, he has already proven himself at the highest level. For boxing, such a fight is always a plus - it’s exciting and draws public interest. We treat him with respect. There will always be talk about the last fight when it comes to great champions. But only time tells the truth. Today, Usyk has strength, desire, and his own path. We go step by step, and the road itself will write the future. Everyone has their own view of the next fight. We always choose the path that carries meaning, for the team and for the history of boxing. Preferences exist, but the main thing is the right timing and the right meaning.”

What boxing is on this week?

Michael Conlan is set to take on Jack Bateson in Dublin on Friday, September 5. Conlan will be returning for the first time since defeating Asad Asif Khan back in March. The main broadcast is set to get underway at around 9pm BST (4pm ET / 3pm CT / 1pm PT). Triller's main show is due to get underway at around 7pm BST (2pm ET / 1pm CT / 11am PT).

A free preliminary undercard will begin on Triller at 5:15pm BST (12:15pm ET / 11:15am CT / 9:15am PT). In the main event, Bateson will likely make the walk to the ring first at around 10pm BST (5pm ET / 4pm CT / 2pm PT), with Conlan set to follow immediately after. The timings of all fights are subject to change and will depend on how long the undercard takes to complete.