Despite growing fan interest in a generational showdown, Oleksandr Usyk has dismissed the idea of facing rising heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma anytime soon. While some fans see the matchup as a symbolic passing of the torch, most believe the 20-year-old British contender still has much to learn before stepping in with the reigning world champion.
Usyk remains at the peak of his powers after successfully transitioning from cruiserweight to heavyweight and unifying the division. Speaking to his team’s Ready to Fight platform, the Ukrainian confirmed he plans to fight “until I’m 41” before retiring to build a sports academy. He made it clear, however, that Itauma will not feature in his immediate plans.
“No, I won’t fight Itauma,” Usyk said. “He’s young – always teasing me – and he said himself that he doesn’t hit grandpas. I can’t say who exactly [will be next] because negotiations are ongoing. I’d be lying if I gave you a name.”
Though some speculate that financial incentives from Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh could tempt Usyk into reconsidering, both camps seem content to follow separate paths. Itauma’s manager Francis Warren has emphasized patience, noting that the young southpaw’s rapid rise has already earned him high rankings across multiple sanctioning bodies.
“He’s in a great position,” Warren said. “He’s ranked three with the WBA, nine with the WBC, and four or five with the IBF. The opportunities will be there when the timing and money are right.”
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