Usyk's Retirement Plan: "Hell No" to Becoming the Next Fat Ronaldo

By Lewis Barnett 1 May, 2025 7 mins read 42 Views

I watched Usyk's press conference yesterday and nearly spit out my coffee when he started talking about Brazilian Ronaldo's weight gain. The Ukrainian heavyweight champ was sitting there, that intense stare boring holes through everyone, while casually dropping truth bombs about his retirement fears.

God. The man is 38 years old now—practically ancient in boxing years—yet he's gearing up to face Daniel Dubois again at Wembley on July 19th. I remember watching their first fight with my brother-in-law who kept insisting Dubois had a chance. £50 poorer by the final bell, he hasn't mentioned Dubois since.

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The Silver Fox Who Can't Sit Still

You can see the silver creeping into Usyk's hair these days. Inevitable, I suppose. The London 2012 gold medalist is showing his age physically, but mentally? The man's still sharp as a tack. Everyone keeps asking when he'll hang up the gloves, but Usyk has other ideas.

He's obsessed with staying active.

"Even when my career ends, I will always stay in boxing and training," Usyk explained, looking slightly annoyed at teh very concept of retirement. "I need to keep my organs fit and strong. For 23 years now I have been working on boxing alone, no more football or judo or anything."

Fat Ronaldo: The Cautionary Tale

Here's where it got interesting. Usyk, who's apparently a Man United supporter (disappointing, but nobody's perfect), brought up Brazilian Ronaldo unprompted.

"For example; Ronaldo was a great player—not Cristiano, the old Brazil one—but when he retired he got so big," Usyk said, making a wide gesture with his hands that got a few awkward laughs from the press. "He was so fast and good at dribbling and skinny but when he stopped football and sport he became a very big man."

The Ukrainian's face scrunched up like he'd just bitten into something sour. "He stopped training and he lost his conditioning. I don't want that, I want to live long and build up the Ukrainian boxing schools and teams."

Two Weeks Off? That's Hilarious!

Remember back in May when Usyk promised he'd take time away after beating Fury? That lasted about as long as my New Year's resolutions. Two weeks. TWO WEEKS!

The man who dethroned Tyson Fury TWICE couldn't even manage a proper vacation. After missing his daughter's birth for the Fury fights (his wife deserves sainthood, honestly), he was back to his obsessive training almost immediately.

"After Fury I only took two weeks off," he admitted with that half-smile that makes you wonder if he's joking. "I went back to Spain with my team and my guys and I was running and riding bikes and swimming but it's not good enough."

Driving His Wife Crazy (Literally)

This part killed me. Imagine being Usyk's wife. You finally get your husband home after months of training camps, and what does he do?

"I called my wife and told her: 'Hey, I think I might want to go back to the boxing gym'. She said: 'I know'."

But it gets better. The man was literally stalking around his own house, throwing shadow punches at every mirror.

"I was upstairs in my house and, every time I walked past a mirror, I was in my boxing stance and shadow boxing, bang, bang, bang, and move position," he demonstrated, throwing a quick combination that made the front row flinch.

"Sometimes my wife would walk by and I would tell her: 'Punch me, punch me!'"

Her response? "But she would just kiss me to keep me quiet and stop." Smart woman.

Dubois Thinks Usyk is... Boring?

Meanwhile, Dubois is out here calling Usyk "boring" like that's somehow going to help him avoid another beatdown. I watched their first fight in Poland back in 2023—Dubois looked completely outclassed. Then Usyk went on to make Fury look ordinary.

But Dynamite Dan isn't impressed with Usyk's mental game.

"I think he's a boring guy," Dubois said with all the confidence of someone who hasn't been jabbed into submission before. "He should just be at home doing his mind s***. It's all psychological."

Sure, Dan. Whatever helps you sleep at night.

"When they feel the real pain and heat they can break through that," he continued. "I don't think he can handle the pain and the heat I'm going to bring."

I showed that quote to my boxing trainer last night. His response: "Someone needs to remind Dubois who he's fighting."

July 19th at Wembley. I've already got my tickets. Something tells me Usyk isn't worried about ending up like Ronaldo just yet—he's got plenty of fighting left to do first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment is essential for someone starting in professional boxing?

For anyone starting in professional boxing, the essential equipment includes boxing gloves, hand wraps, a mouthguard, headgear (for sparring), and proper footwear. Technical workouts require a heavy bag or speed bag as well as a double-end, double-end, or other training aids. Use quality gear that is durable and offers protection. Poor equipment can lead to injury.

What kind of diet would you recommend for a new boxer?

A beginner boxer should eat a nutritiously balanced diet to fuel intense workouts and encourage recovery. In general, it is recommended that you consume a mixture of carbohydrates for energy and lean protein for muscle growth and repair. Hydration, vitamins, and minerals are critical as well. Consulting a sports nutritionist to develop a diet plan that is tailored for the boxer's weight class and training schedule can be beneficial.

How important is mental toughness in professional boxing?

Mental toughness is as vital as physical conditioning in professional boxing. Resilience, focus, pressure-handling ability, and psychological fortitude are all required in the sport. Mental training involves visualizing, learning stress management skills, and developing the right mindset to take on the challenges inside the ring. Without mental toughness a boxer will struggle to perform under the high pressure conditions of professional competition.

Anyone can learn how to box professionally.

Even though boxing may be accessible to all, not everyone is cut out to compete professionally. The combination of talent, physical ability, mental toughness and dedication is required for professional boxing. Prospective boxers should also be willing accept the inherent risk of the sport. A thorough examination by a trainer is a good way to determine whether or not someone has potential for a boxing career.

How important are physical conditioning and training for professional boxers?

Physical conditioning is paramount in professional boxing. The sport demands high levels of strength, speed, endurance, and agility. Professional boxers need to engage in a customized fitness program, which includes aerobic and anaerobic exercise, strength and resistance exercises, and flexibility workouts. A boxer's performance in the ring and ability to train is severely compromised without superior physical conditioning.

How does one progress from amateur to professional boxing?

Transitioning from amateur to professional boxing entails a significant step up in competition, training intensity, and mental preparation. An amateur boxer must establish a strong track record of performance, typically honing skills in various local and national competitions. The key is to get a professional boxing certificate and work with managers and trainers that can guide you in your career and help secure professional bouts.

Are there age restrictions for learning to box professionally?

Professional boxing has age restrictions. Most boxing federations require that boxers are at least 18 to fight professionally. There is no upper limit to the age that a person can safely compete, but there are factors such as physical abilities and health. It is important that older athletes are thoroughly evaluated for risk and fitness before they take up a professional sport.

Statistics

The average age for boxers to turn professional is between 18 to 25 years, though many continue to compete well into their 30s and beyond.
Reports suggest that successful professional boxers can earn upwards of 50 times more than the median purse for entry-level professionals per fight.
Nutrition experts emphasize that over 70% of a boxer's diet should focus on carbohydrates and proteins for energy and recovery.
Around 60% of professional boxers supplement their income with other activities or jobs, due to variability in fight earnings.
Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
An analysis of boxing injuries suggests that 90% involve the head, neck, and face, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.
On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.

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How To

How to lose weight before a boxing match

A disciplined approach is required to manage your weight prior to a boxing match. Create a nutrition program that emphasizes hydration and complex carbohydrates while cutting down on foods high in sodium and fat. You can control water weight by gradually reducing your water intake and increasing it several weeks before a fight. Increase your intensity during workouts and incorporate sauna sessions, if necessary. Prioritize safety, and do not use drastic methods of weight loss.