Oleksandr Usyk defeated Daniel Dubois in his last fight in July.
The renowned Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk has ruled out a fight against the young British heavyweight Moses Itauma, but has confirmed that he is training and plans to return to the ring next year.
Usyk, who boasts an impressive record of 24 wins without defeats, with 15 knockouts, obtained his undisputed heavyweight crown after defeating Daniel Dubois in July. This victory allowed him to regain the IBF belt, which he had vacated the previous year, achieving an outstanding performance at Wembley Stadium.
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) had ordered Usyk to face interim champion Joseph Parker, but negotiations did not succeed. Usyk stated that he was suffering from an injury and needed time out of the ring.
Parker is scheduled to fight Fabio Wardley in London on October 25th.Moses Itauma defeated Dillian Whyte in August.
Usyk has revealed that he has resumed his training, but has clarified that he will not face Itauma, who has a record of 13 wins and 11 knockouts.
No, I will not fight Itauma. He is young… he is always provoking me. And he himself said that he does not hit grandfathers.
Oleksandr Usyk
Usyk did not want to reveal the name of his next opponent due to ongoing negotiations.
Possible rivals for Tyson Fury in his boxing return
The undisputed atomweight champion, Tina Rupprecht, announces her retirement at 33 years old
Itauma is considered one of the most outstanding prospects in the boxing world, with 11 knockouts in 13 fights. His last victory, a first-round knockout over Dillian Whyte in August, was a statement of intent.
Usyk, 38 years old, plans to return to the ring in 2026, but his opponent has not yet been defined.
The boxer has expressed his intention to continue competing until he is 41 years old, and subsequently plans to establish a sports academy to train and develop other athletes.
