Oleksandr Usyk makes shock U turn on retirement and refuses young star Moses Itauma leaving fans guessing next opponent

Oleksandr Usyk has changed his mind about retirement. The 38-year-old undisputed heavyweight boxing champion has now confirmed that he will fight until the age of 41. He said this on the Ready to Fight website.

Usyk also made it clear that he will not face 20-year-old British rising talent Moses Itauma. Fans expected that fight to happen. But Oleksandr Usyk said Itauma is young and always jokes about not hitting “grandpas.”

Oleksandr Usyk rejects Moses Itauma fight and prepares long-term boxing return

The WBO had ordered Oleksandr Usyk to fight Joseph Parker next. But Usyk took some time away from boxing because of a back injury. He is now back in training. Since he could not confirm the fight in time, Joseph Parker will face Fabio Wardley instead on October 25 at The O2 Arena in London.

That fight will stream live on DAZN. Usyk said he still does not know who he will fight next. Talks are ongoing. He said he would be lying if he named anyone right now. He also said he wants to keep building his legacy over the next two years, before he retires and starts his sports academy.Oleksandr Usyk last fought in July 2025, where he knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium. That win helped him keep his undisputed world title.

It also moved him to No.3 in the all-time heavyweight rankings by Daily Mail’s boxing expert Jeff Powell, behind only Muhammad Ali and Joe Louis.

Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley confirmed as Usyk waits for next opponent

Oleksandr Usyk has an unbeaten boxing record of 24 wins in 24 fights, with 15 knockouts. He has already defeated big British names like Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois. He said his goal is to stay active and choose smart opponents, not just popular names. Also Read: Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf sweetest love highlights: 5 times tennis power couple showed pure love on and off the courtOleksandr Usyk also reminded that he signed a professional football contract with Ukrainian club Polissya and even played in a friendly match in 2022. He plans to focus more on football after retiring from boxing. For now, he is fully focused on his return to the ring in 2026, with fans waiting to know who he will fight next.