Oleksandr Usyk, after defeating Daniel Dubois in July, is focusing on his return to the ring next year.
The heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, has ruled out a fight with young British boxer Moses Itauma, but has confirmed that he is training and plans to return to the ring next year.
Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) achieved a resounding victory over Daniel Dubois in July, reclaiming his undisputed heavyweight crown. This victory allowed him to claim the IBF belt that had been vacated last year, demonstrating his prowess at Wembley Stadium.
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) had ordered Usyk to face interim champion Joseph Parker, but negotiations did not succeed. Usyk argued an injury and the need for time away from boxing. Parker is scheduled to fight Fabio Wardley in London on October 25.Usyk has revealed that he is in full training, but will not face Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) in his next fight.
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 also commented on the choice of his next opponent, indicating that negotiations are ongoing.
Itauma is considered one of the most promising prospects in the boxing world, with an impressive record of 11 knockouts in 13 fights. His last victory was a first-round knockout over Dillian Whyte in August.
Usyk, at 38 years old, plans to return to the ring in 2026, although he has not yet defined his opponent. The boxer has expressed his intention to continue competing until he is 41 years old, and then plans to establish a sports academy to train and develop future generations of boxers.
