Oleksandr Usyk: Champion rules out Moses Itauma fight but planning 2026 return

Oleksandr Usyk said he will continue fighting for two more years and plans to return to the ring in 2026, but ruled out the possibility of facing British heavyweight Moses Itauma.

Usyk, 38, became the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion by stopping Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July.

The Ukrainian, who previously held four recognized world titles at cruiserweight, had previously hinted he would fight just one more time before retiring.

But the pound-for-pound star appears to have reversed that decision.

“I will fight until I am 41,” Usyk told the Ready to Fight website. “Then I will establish a sports academy; I will train there and train others as well.”

Usyk said he has returned to training after being sidelined with a back injury that forced the postponement of his fight with WBO mandatory challenger Joseph Parker.

He added that he would “hopefully” return next year but ruled out Itauma, the 20-year-old Chatham fighter, as a potential opponent.

“No, I will not fight Itauma,” Usyk said. “He’s young and always makes fun of me. He also said he didn’t hit the grandparents.

“I can’t say exactly who you are [I’ll fight next] Because negotiations are ongoing. I’d be lying if I gave you a name.”

Itauma extended his unbeaten record to 13 wins with 11 knockouts by stopping former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in two minutes in August.

WBA runner-up Kubrat Pulev has been instructed to fight Itauma next, but the Bulgarian wants to defend his belt against Murat Gassiev in Dubai in December.