The 39-year-old boxing icon, who will defend his WBC title against kickboxing world champ Rico Verhoeven this weekend, has insisted while he wants to explore an acting career once he hangs up his gloves, he's got a little while to go before that.

He told BBC Sport: "I will not stop my career after I fight Rico - I have two, maybe three, fights more.

"I build a plan in future for this fight - I have a secret plan. I want to build a business - this is one of my last fights, but I build [a] big show."

Usyk has overcome the likes of Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois and Tyson Fury, but he's refusing to overlook Verhoeven despite the 37-year-old star's lack of boxing experience.

He explained: "The opponent might be different but my preparations are not different.

"I work hard, I do a lot of work in sparring, conditioning and cardio.

"I train like I'm fighting Tyson Fury or Daniel Dubois, because for me it's a serious fight. It's not fake. For me it's not a show, it's a fight."

The fight will take place against the backdrop of Egypt's Pyramids of Gaza and his promoter Sergey Lapin says the fighter wants to test himself in a different way after twice becoming undisputed heavyweight world champion.

Lapin, the CEO of promotional company Ready to Fight, told Sky Sports: "At this stage of Oleksandr's career it's not about adding something just for the sake of legacy. His legacy is already secured.

"What matters now is taking on unique challenges that push the boundaries of the sport and create something special for the fans.

"Fighting a top athlete from another combat discipline is part of that. It's about proving adaptability and intelligence, and showing that true elite fighters can operate at the highest level.

"At the same time, we stay focused on boxing and the core goals within the sport."