🔗 Share this article Oleksandr boxing star Aiming for Next Year Comeback But Rules Out Moses Itauma Bout The Usyk is an Olympic winner, three-time undisputed title holder and unbeaten in twenty-four pro fights. The champion Usyk states he intends to remain active for the next 24 months and expects to fight again in 2026, but has excluded a bout with British boxer Moses Itauma. The Ukrainian fighter, 38, defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion. The Ukrainian, who also once owned all four recognized world titles at cruiserweight, had earlier suggested that he would fight only once more before hanging up his gloves. However, the pound-for-pound star seems to have reversed that intention. "I will continue until I reach 41," he explained to the Ready to Fight platform. "After that I plan to create a sports academy - I'll train there and mentor boxers." Usyk said he has returned to training after being sidelined due to a back injury which forced the delay of a bout with World Boxing Organization mandatory challenger Joseph Parker. He stated that, "If all goes well", he'll be back in 2026 but ruled out young Chatham fighter Itauma as a possible rival. "No, I won't fight Itauma," he said. "He is youthful - constantly joking with me. He also mentioned himself he refuses to fight veterans." "I can't say who exactly [{I'll fight next|I will face next|my next bout will be against] since talks are underway. It would be dishonest by naming a specific boxer." Itauma increased his perfect record to thirteen victories, with eleven KOs, by stopping former world title challenger Dillian Whyte within 120 seconds in August. The WBA has mandated its secondary champion Kubrat Pulev to meet Itauma as his next opponent, however the Bulgarian is keen to keep his championship against Murat Gassiev in Dubai in December.