Oleksandr Usyk, the boxing world's pound-for-pound king, just dropped a bombshell: he's not hanging up his gloves anytime soon! While retirement whispers have been circulating, the undisputed heavyweight champion has declared his intention to continue battling it out in the ring until he's 41. That means we can expect to see Usyk back in action, potentially as late as 2026.
Usyk, currently 38, confirmed his extended career plans, stating he intends to dedicate himself to training future generations of fighters after he retires from competition. "I'll fight until I'm 41," Usyk revealed to the Ready to Fight website, "Then I'll build a sports academy - I'll train there and train others." Think of it as Usyk's way of giving back to the sport that has given him so much, ensuring his legacy continues beyond his own fights. This is a common trend among many great fighters, such as George Foreman, who have sought to use their experience to guide future generations.
Fresh off his victory against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July – a fight that cemented his status as a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion – Usyk seemed poised for a relatively quick exit. Remember, he's also conquered the cruiserweight division, holding all four major world titles simultaneously. The grueling nature of boxing at this level takes a toll, so an early retirement wouldn't have been surprising. But here's where it gets interesting... Usyk has apparently had a change of heart.
Unfortunately for some rising stars, not everyone is on Usyk's radar. Despite his extended timeline, one name has been definitively ruled out: British heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma. Usyk put the kibosh on that potential matchup, explaining, "No, I won't fight Itauma. He's young - always teasing me. And he said himself he doesn't hit grandpas." It's a lighthearted jab, perhaps, but it suggests Usyk is focused on different challenges at this stage in his career. It also highlights the generational gap in the heavyweight division, with young lions like Itauma eager to test themselves against seasoned veterans like Usyk.
Usyk's immediate return to the ring was delayed due to a back injury, which forced the postponement of a highly anticipated clash with WBO mandatory challenger Joseph Parker. However, Usyk is now back in training and hopes to compete in 2025, "God willing," he added. While he remains tight-lipped about his next opponent – "I can't say who exactly [I'll fight next] because negotiations are ongoing. I'd be lying if I gave you a name." – the possibilities are certainly intriguing.
Speaking of Moses Itauma, it's worth noting that the 20-year-old is making waves in the heavyweight division. He boasts an impressive undefeated record of 13 wins, with 11 knockouts. In a recent statement victory, Itauma stopped former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in under two minutes in August. And this is the part most people miss... Itauma is now being targeted by the WBA. The WBA has ordered its secondary champion, Kubrat Pulev, to face Itauma next. However, the plot thickens: Pulev is reportedly more interested in defending his belt against Murat Gassiev in Dubai in December. This sets the stage for potential promotional and contractual conflicts. But here's where it gets controversial... Should established champions be required to face up-and-coming contenders, even if it means potentially jeopardizing more lucrative fights?
Usyk's announcement raises a lot of questions. What kind of legacy is he hoping to build in these final years? Who do you think he should fight next? And is it fair for a potential opponent to openly state they won't hit 'grandpas'? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
