Oleksandr Usyk Rejects Itauma Fight, Says He Will Keep Boxing Until 41

Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has brushed aside rumours linking him to a fight with British prodigy Moses Itauma, saying the young boxer is not ready for such a contest.

Oleksandr Usyk, who currently holds all five major world titles, said in an interview with Ready To Fight that while he respects Itauma’s talent, the 20-year-old still has time to grow before stepping into the ring with him.

“No, I won’t fight Itauma. He’s young, always teasing me. And he said himself he doesn’t hit grandpas,” Usyk said jokingly.

At 38, Usyk is already one of the most decorated heavyweights of his generation. He last fought in July, when he produced a stunning fifth-round knockout against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. Since then, the Ukrainian has been recovering from a back injury that has delayed his return to the ring.

Usyk revealed that he does not expect to fight again until 2026 but confirmed he has no plans to retire anytime soon.

“I’ll fight until I’m 41,” he said. “Then I will build a sports academy. I will train there and train others.”

Usyk’s next opponent remains uncertain, with ongoing negotiations limiting what he can disclose. There has been talk of a possible WBO title defence against whoever emerges victorious between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley, but nothing has been confirmed.

Meanwhile, Itauma’s name entered the conversation after his explosive first-round knockout of Dillian Whyte on August 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The performance caught the attention of Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh, who publicly floated the idea of an Usyk-Itauma matchup.

Itauma, unbeaten in 13 fights with 11 knockouts, welcomed the idea, calling it a “win-win” opportunity even if he lost.

Source: Naijanews