Usyk Dismisses Itauma Fight and Plans Retirement in 2026: Boxing

Oleksandr Usyk, after defeating Daniel Dubois in July, has ruled out a fight against the young British heavyweight Moses Itauma. The Ukrainian champion has confirmed that he is training and plans to return to the ring next year. Usyk, with an undefeated record of 24-0 and 15 knockouts, regained his undisputed heavyweight crown by knocking out Dubois in July at Wembley Stadium. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) had ordered Usyk to face interim champion Joseph Parker, but negotiations did not prosper, as Usyk declared he was injured and needed time out of the ring. Parker will face Fabio Wardley in London on October 25.

Usyk has revealed that he has returned to training, but will not face Itauma, who has a record of 13-0 and 11 knockouts.

No, I will not fight Itauma. He is young… he is always provoking me. And he himself said that he doesn’t hit old people.

Oleksandr Usyk

The Ukrainian boxer added that he cannot reveal the name of his next opponent due to ongoing negotiations.

• Possible opponents for Tyson Fury’s return
• Tina Rupprecht, undisputed atomweight champion, retires at 33 years old

Itauma is considered one of the most outstanding promises in world boxing, with 11 knockouts in 13 fights. In his last fight, he achieved a resounding knockout victory in the first round against Dillian Whyte in August. Usyk, 38 years old, plans to return to the ring in 2026, but it has not yet been decided who will be his rival. The champion has expressed his intention to continue competing until he is 41 years old, and then dedicate himself to building a sports academy where he will train and educate others.