Oleksandr Usyk, the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, has dismissed reports that he will face British boxing sensation Moses Itauma, claiming the young fighter is not prepared for such a match.
In an interview with Ready To Fight, Oleksandr Usyk, who presently owns all five main world titles, stated that although he admires Itauma’s skill, the 20-year-old still has time to develop before facing him in the ring.
“No, I’m not going to fight Itauma.” He’s young and always makes fun of me. Usyk joked, “And he said himself he doesn’t hit grandpas.”
Usyk is one of the most decorated heavyweights of his generation at the age of 38. His most recent bout took place at Wembley Stadium in July, where he defeated Daniel Dubois via spectacular fifth-round knockout. The Ukrainian’s comeback to the ring has been delayed since then due to a back problem.
Usyk stated that he has no immediate plans to retire, but he does not anticipate fighting again until 2026.
He declared, “I’ll fight until I’m 41.” After that, I’ll construct a sports academy. There, I’ll train and instruct others.
Due to current talks that restrict what he can reveal, Usyk’s next opponent is still unknown. Although it hasn’t been confirmed, there have been rumors of a potential WBO championship defense against the winner of the fight between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley.
After Itauma’s spectacular first-round knockout of Dillian Whyte on August 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, his name started to come up in the discourse. Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh was impressed with the performance and openly suggested a Usyk-Itauma bout.
Even if he lost, Itauma, who is undefeated in 13 fights with 11 knockouts, embraced the notion and called it a “win-win” opportunity.
