Oleksandr Usyk is taking his time to consider his future amidst calls for him to defend his world titles against Moses Itauma.
After defeating Daniel Dubois in the fifth round at Wembley, Usyk secured the undisputed heavyweight world champion title for the second time last month. Although he was directed to defend his titles against WBO mandatory Joseph Parker, he has requested more time to decide due to an injury.
Following Itauma’s first-round victory over Dillian Whyte last weekend, Saudi Arabian boxing chief Turki Alalshikh urged for a match between Usyk and the 20-year-old Brit. However, Sergey Lapin, a key member of Usyk’s team, emphasized the need for patience.
Lapin stated, “Throughout his professional career, both Oleksandr Usyk and our team have displayed respect for all potential opponents and the regulations of professional boxing. Usyk’s back-to-back accomplishment as the undisputed heavyweight champion entailed immense physical and mental dedication, along with significant sacrifices.”
He added, “The champion deserves the opportunity to recover from the strenuous training and injuries, which are often unseen. He should also have the freedom to rest and spend time with his family. Most importantly, he has earned the right to determine his own future and should be given the necessary time to make that decision. So, let’s not rush him.”
Itauma, on the other hand, refrained from challenging Usyk directly, expressing, “I don’t want to call out Oleksandr Usyk because I don’t feel I merit the chance. I aim to face opponents who deserve the opportunity, such as Agit Kabayel or Joseph Parker. For now, I plan to rest and potentially return to training later.”
Despite having lost to Usyk twice last year, Tyson Fury is confident in Itauma’s ability to confront the Ukrainian, asserting that Itauma would comfortably defeat him. Fury stated in a video shared on social media, “I keep getting questions about Moses Itauma fighting Oleksandr Usyk and other top names. My opinion is not from someone who lacks boxing knowledge but from a multiple belt-winner who has excelled in the sport.”
He continued, “Boxing favors the young, as I told Wladimir Klitschko when he was 37. It’s a game for the youth. So, mark my words: Moses Itauma will dominate over the older boxers in the division – Usyk, AJ, Miller, and others. The past big names like Zhang and Luis Ortiz will be surpassed.”
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