Oleksandr boxing star Aiming for Next Year Comeback However Rules Out Itauma Fight
Oleksandr Usyk is a gold medal winner, triple undisputed title holder and undefeated in 24 pro fights.
The champion Usyk says he intends to continue to fight for another two years and plans to fight again in 2026, but has ruled out a bout with UK boxer Moses Itauma.
Usyk, 38, beat Daniel Dubois at the London venue in July to become a double undisputed heavyweight champion.
The Ukrainian, who also once owned all four recognized championship belts at cruiserweight, had earlier suggested that he would fight only once more before hanging up his gloves.
However, the top-rated fighter seems to have reversed that plan.
"I plan to box until I reach 41," he told the Ready to Fight website. "After that I'll build a training center - I'll coach there and teach others."
The champion said he has returned to the gym after taking time off due to a spinal issue which forced the postponement of a fight with WBO mandatory challenger Joseph Parker.
He stated that, "If all goes well", he'll be back in 2026 but excluded young boxer from Chatham Itauma as a potential opponent.
"No, I won't fight Itauma," Usyk stated. "He is youthful - frequently taunting me. He stated personally he refuses to fight veterans."
"I can't say who specifically [{I'll fight next|I will face next|my next bout will be against] since negotiations are ongoing. I cannot truthfully say if I gave you a specific boxer."
The British boxer increased his unbeaten record to 13 wins, with eleven KOs, by stopping ex-title contender Dillian Whyte in under two minutes in August.
The WBA has instructed its regular titleholder Kubrat Pulev to meet Itauma next, although the Bulgarian is interested to defend his belt against Murat Gassiev in Dubai in the winter.
