Oleksandr Usyk is taking his time to consider his future amidst requests for him to defend his world titles against Moses Itauma.
Having secured the undisputed heavyweight world champion title for the second time by defeating Daniel Dubois in the fifth round at Wembley last month, Usyk was mandated to defend his titles against WBO mandatory challenger Joseph Parker but has sought a delay in making a decision due to an injury.
Following Itauma’s victory over Dillian Whyte in the first round last weekend, Saudi Arabian boxing chief Turki Alalshikh advocated for a fight between Usyk and the 20-year-old British boxer. However, Sergey Lapin, a crucial member of Usyk’s team, has urged for patience.
Lapin emphasized that throughout Usyk’s professional career, he and their team have shown respect for all potential opponents and the regulations of professional boxing. Usyk’s recent double accomplishment of becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion demanded immense physical and mental exertion and sacrifices.
Lapin further stated that Usyk deserves time to allow his body to recover from the rigorous training and unseen injuries, as well as to rest and spend time with his family. He emphasized that Usyk has earned the right to determine his own future and urged not to rush the decision.
Itauma refrained from specifically calling out Usyk, mentioning that he does not believe he deserves the opportunity to face the undisputed world heavyweight champion but expressed interest in fighting other deserving opponents like Agit Kabayel or Joseph Parker.
Tyson Fury, who faced Usyk twice last year and lost both times, expressed confidence in Itauma’s readiness to challenge Usyk, suggesting that the young boxer would comfortably defeat the Ukrainian and other established names in the division.
Fury highlighted the nature of boxing as a sport for young athletes and predicted Itauma to outperform older competitors like Usyk, AJ, Miller, Zhang, and Luis Ortiz.
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