The Ukrainian boxing star Planning 2026 Comeback But Excludes Moses Itauma Bout
Oleksandr Usyk stands as a gold medal gold medalist, three-time unified world champion and undefeated in 24 pro fights.
Oleksandr Usyk states he intends to keep boxing for two more years and expects to make a comeback in the year 2026, but dismissed a fight with British boxer Moses Itauma.
The Ukrainian fighter, thirty-eight, stopped Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer to achieve status as a two-time unified heavyweight champion.
Usyk, who also previously held all four recognized world titles at cruiserweight, had indicated before that he'd only box just one more time before retiring.
Yet, the top-rated fighter seems to have reversed that intention.
"I plan to box until I turn forty-one," Usyk told the R2F platform. "After that I'll build a training center - I'll work out there and teach others."
The champion said he has returned in training after taking time off due to a injury which forced the delay of a fight with World Boxing Organization mandatory challenger Joseph Parker.
He stated that, "God willing", he will return next year but excluded 20-year-old boxer from Chatham Itauma as a possible rival.
"Absolutely not, I will not box Itauma," he said. "He's a young man - always teasing me. He also mentioned himself he doesn't hit grandpas."
"It's impossible to tell which opponent [{I'll fight next|I will face next|my next bout will be against] because discussions are underway. I cannot truthfully say if I gave you a specific boxer."
Itauma increased his unbeaten record to 13 wins, with eleven KOs, by beating former world title challenger Dillian Whyte inside two minutes in the summer.
World Boxing Association has ordered its regular titleholder Kubrat Pulev to face Itauma as his next opponent, but the Bulgarian is interested to protect his title against Murat Gassiev in Dubai in the winter.
