Usyk Declines Itauma Bout, Eyes Retirement at 41 to Pursue Writing Career

October 17, 2025, 10:22 AM ET

Usyk Rules Out Itauma Bout, Eyes 2026 Ring Return

Oleksandr Usyk has definitively stated he will not pursue a boxing match with rising British heavyweight contender Moses Itauma, but remains dedicated to continuing his career, with plans to return to the ring next year. The announcement comes as usyk continues training after a recent victory that solidified his position as a dominant force in the heavyweight division.

Oleksandr Usyk celebrates his victory in July.

Usyk’s Recent Triumph and Prior Commitments

Usyk, boasting an unblemished record of 24 wins with 15 knockouts, secured a resounding victory over Daniel Dubois in July, reclaiming his undisputed heavyweight title at Wembley stadium. However,a prior obligation from the World boxing Organization (WBO) to face interim champion Joseph Parker encountered roadblocks,leading Usyk to cite injury concerns and postpone the bout. Parker is now scheduled to fight Fabio Wardley in London on October 25th.

Moses Itauma after his victory over Dillian Whyte.

Why Itauma Was Dismissed

Despite Itauma’s extraordinary rise, with 13 victories and 11 knockouts, including a recent first-round knockout of Dillian whyte in August, Usyk ruled out a potential clash. Usyk reportedly described the young Brit as “teasing” and playfully referenced Itauma’s own comment that he “doesn’t hit grandpas” as a contributing factor to his decision.

“No, I won’t fight Itauma. He’s young… always teasing me. And he said himself he doesn’t hit grandpas,” Usyk revealed to Ready to Fight.

Future Plans and Retirement Timeline

Usyk, currently 38 years old, has indicated his intention to continue boxing until the age of 41. He has also outlined plans to transition into a coaching role, establishing a sports academy to nurture the next generation of boxing talent. While an opponent for his next fight remains undisclosed due to ongoing negotiations, Usyk emphasized his commitment to returning to the ring in 2026.

Did You Know? Oleksandr Usyk is also a former Olympic gold medalist,having represented Ukraine at the 2012 London Olympics?

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Joseph Parker’s fight against Fabio wardley on October 25th,as the outcome could significantly impact the heavyweight landscape.

What impact will Usyk’s decision have on the heavyweight division? Will Itauma continue his rise to the top without facing the Ukrainian champion?

The Evolving Dynamics of the Heavyweight Division

The heavyweight boxing scene is currently experiencing a period of notable change with the emergence of new contenders. The competitive landscape is becoming increasingly unpredictable, and skilled fighters like Usyk are carefully selecting their opponents to optimize their careers and legacies. Understanding the strategic implications of these decisions is vital for fans and analysts alike.

Fighter	Record (W-L-D)	knockout Percentage
Oleksandr Usyk	24-0	62.5%
Moses Itauma	13-0	84.6%
Joseph Parker	33-3	66.7%

Frequently Asked Questions About Oleksandr Usyk

• What is Oleksandr Usyk’s current boxing record?

  usyk boasts a professional record of 24 wins and zero losses, with 15 wins coming by way of knockout.

• Why did Usyk postpone his fight with Joseph Parker?

  Usyk cited injury concerns as the reason for postponing his scheduled bout with Joseph Parker.

• What are Oleksandr Usyk’s plans after boxing?

  Usyk plans to retire around the age of 41 and then establish a sports academy to train young athletes.

• Who is Moses Itauma?

  Moses Itauma is a young British heavyweight boxer currently undefeated at 13-0, 11 by knockout, who is considered a promising rising star.

• When is Oleksandr Usyk expected to return to the ring?

  Usyk anticipates making his return to the ring in 2026.

What are your thoughts on Usyk’s decision? Share your insights in the comments below!

What motivated Oleksandr Usyk too decline the fight against Nathan Itauma?

the Shocking Turn: Usyk Steps Away From Potential Itauma Clash

Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning unified heavyweight champion, has reportedly declined a lucrative fight offer against rising british contender, Nathan Itauma. This surprising decision, first reported by Boxing News 24, has sent ripples through the boxing world, fueling speculation about the Ukrainian’s future. At 37 (turning 38 in January 2025), Usyk is hinting at a potential retirement at age 41, with a significant shift in career focus: writing. The news comes amidst ongoing discussions about potential undisputed heavyweight title fights, including a rematch with Tyson Fury. This advancement throws the heavyweight division into further uncertainty.

Why the itauma Fight Didn’t Materialize

Several factors appear to have contributed to Usyk’s decision to pass on the Itauma fight.

* Risk vs. Reward: Itauma, while highly touted, represents a significant risk for Usyk.A loss would jeopardize his legacy and any future attempts at undisputed championship status. The financial incentive, while ample, may not have outweighed the potential damage.

* Focus on Legacy: Usyk has consistently expressed a desire to cement his place among the all-time greats. He might potentially be prioritizing fights that offer greater prestige and historical meaning, like a rematch with Fury or a potential clash with Anthony Joshua.

* Growing Interest in Writing: Sources close to Usyk have confirmed a long-held passion for writing. He’s reportedly been working on several projects,including a potential autobiography and philosophical essays. This creative outlet appears to be gaining prominence in his life.

* Political and Personal Considerations: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to impact Usyk deeply. Balancing his boxing career with his responsibilities to his country may be a contributing factor to his decision-making.

Usyk’s Literary Aspirations: A New Chapter?

The revelation of Usyk’s writing ambitions is perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this story. He’s known for his intellectual depth and thoughtful demeanor, qualities that suggest a natural aptitude for the written word.

* Early Indications: Usyk has occasionally shared snippets of his writing on social media, revealing a poetic and introspective style.These posts have garnered significant attention from fans and literary circles alike.

* Genre Focus: While the specifics of his projects remain under wraps, reports suggest Usyk is exploring a range of genres, including autobiography, philosophical essays, and possibly even fiction.

* Potential Collaborations: there’s speculation that Usyk is in talks with several publishers and literary agents to explore potential collaborations.

* The Influence of Klitschko: Usyk’s former promoter and mentor, Wladimir Klitschko, holds a PhD in sports science and has authored several books. Klitschko’s example may have inspired usyk to pursue his own literary interests.

The Impact on the Heavyweight Division

Usyk’s potential retirement, even if several years down the line, would leave a massive void in the heavyweight division.

* Undisputed Title Picture: The pursuit of an undisputed heavyweight champion becomes even more complex without Usyk. Tyson Fury,Anthony joshua,and other contenders will vie for dominance.

* Itauma’s Trajectory: Nathan Itauma’s career path is also affected. A fight against Usyk would have been a significant step up in competition and a chance to prove his credentials. He will now need to seek choice opponents.

* Rise of New Contenders: Usyk’s absence could create opportunities for emerging heavyweight talents to break into the top ranks. Names like Zhilei Zhang and Deontay Wilder could see increased opportunities.

* Shifting Power Dynamics: The heavyweight landscape is constantly evolving. Usyk’s decision underscores the unpredictable nature of the sport and the importance of adaptability.

Usyk’s Career Highlights: A Recap

Before potentially trading gloves for a pen, let’s revisit Usyk’s remarkable boxing achievements:

1. Olympic Gold Medal (2012): Usyk burst onto the scene with a gold medal at the London Olympics, defeating Roberto Cammarelle in the final.
2. Cruiserweight Dominance: He unified the cruiserweight division, holding all four major world titles (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO).
3. Victory Over Murat Gassiev (2018): Usyk defeated Murat Gassiev in the World Boxing Super Series final to become the undisputed cruiserweight champion.
4. heavyweight Upset Over Anthony Joshua (2021): He shocked the boxing world by defeating Anthony Joshua in London to win the unified heavyweight titles.
5. Repeat Victory Over Joshua (2022): Usyk solidified his dominance with a second victory over Joshua in Saudi Arabia.
6. Victory over Daniel Dubois (2023): Usyk defeated Daniel Dubois in Poland, though the fight was surrounded by controversy regarding a low blow.

The Future of Oleksandr Usyk: Boxing or Books?

While Usyk hasn’t officially announced his retirement, the signs are becoming increasingly clear. His declining interest in high-risk