Former heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has revealed plans for a single farewell fight before retirement, telling reporters he wants one last bout in the ring, while separate social media posts from Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter hint that tight end Travis Kelce may also be nearing his final NFL season.
Professional sports often arrive at their twilight quietly, but recent announcements and social media glimpses from athletes and their inner circles suggest high-profile retirements could be approaching across boxing and football.
Oleksandr Usyk Outlines Plans for a Single Farewell Bout
Former heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed his intention to step away from the sport after a final career appearance.
Former heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk tells BBC Sport he wants one “last dance” before retiring, but insists it will only be one more fight and no more.
Rather than an extended farewell tour or a multi-fight retirement run, Usyk emphasized that his return will comprise precisely one more contest. Reports indicate that Usyk has engaged in discussions with Zuffa regarding a potential farewell matchup against Wilder.
Travis Kelce Prepares for the 2026 NFL Campaign
On the gridiron, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is gearing up for his 14th professional season. Kelce initially quieted months of retirement speculation by confirming his return in March.
Kelce confirmed in March that he would return for his 14th NFL season, putting months of retirement speculation to rest.
Entering the upcoming campaign, Kelce holds impressive career statistics, including more than 13,000 regular-season receiving yards and 82 touchdowns. His offseason preparation has included work alongside longtime personal strength and conditioning coach Andrew Spruill, as well as attention from trainer Johnny Olsen.
Kelce enters the 2026 campaign with more than 13,000 career regular-season receiving yards and 82 touchdowns.
Cris Carter Social Media Post Sparks Retirement Speculation
Questions regarding the timeline of Kelce’s career surfaced anew following a social media post by Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter. Following Kelce’s July 3 wedding to singer Taylor Swift, Carter shared an Instagram photograph featuring himself, Kelce, and Spruill.
Know the goat is preparing for THE LAST DANCE. Next stop Canton/HOF,
Carter wrote on Monday.
Carter, who currently serves as Florida Atlantic football’s director of player development, added context regarding their long-standing professional relationship, writing that Andrew and I started with Travis before his rookie year in the NFL. The phrasing quickly drew considerable attention across social media platforms from fans discussing the tight end’s future.
Fan Reactions and the Media Spotlight
“Can Travis be allowed to announce his own retirement, please? Everything about him makes headlines. Are you saying this for attention? He’s always said he doesn’t want a farewell tour or the focus to be on him during the season. Travis has earned the right to announce himself when he sees fit,” one fan wrote in a social media post.
Recovery and Outlook for Kansas City
The Chiefs look to rebound following an abrupt end to their playoff run in Week 15 of the previous season, when their streak halted at Arrowhead Stadium against the Los Angeles Chargers. That matchup saw superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes sustain a season-ending ACL injury during a scramble in the game’s final minutes.
The Chiefs’ decade-long run of playoff appearances came to an abrupt end in Week 15 last season after they came up short at Arrowhead Stadium in a game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Mahomes has since made progress in his recovery, participating in seven-on-seven drills in May roughly five months after undergoing a procedure to address a torn ACL and LCL. Having expressed an aim to be ready for the regular-season opener, Mahomes’ return remains a focal point as the team prepares for the 2026 campaign.
Worth a look
