It’s been three months since Oleksandr Usyk began his reign as the undisputed champion, for the second time, over boxing’s premier weight class. However, there’s still no clue about who he’ll fight next. Talks have surfaced about a trilogy bout with the currently retired Tyson Fury. But one name that keeps coming up as a possible opponent is Moses Itauma. In just two years, the 20-year-old has captured the imagination of fans, reigniting hopes that he could be the next big name in heavyweight boxing once stalwarts like Usyk, Fury, and Anthony Joshua pass the torch.

However, it appears the wait for Oleksandr Usyk vs. Moses Itauma may be prolonged. Its fate now hangs in the balance, largely due to Usyk refocusing on his priorities for the future. On January 17, the undisputed champion will turn 39. So it’s only natural he wants to think carefully before stepping into the ring for what could be the final stretch of his glorious career. Moreover, he’s already set his sights on pursuits that will keep him engaged once he hangs up the gloves!

Oleksandr Usyk draws the line: no Itauma fight

The boxing world is abuzz with Usyk’s latest statements. Speaking with Ready To Fight, the Ukrainian champion didn’t beat around the bush. “No, I won’t fight Itauma,” he said. His grouse: “He’s young—always teasing me. And he said himself he doesn’t hit grandpas.”

Still, it seems Usyk already has a name in mind for his next fight. Without revealing specifics, he said, “I can’t say who exactly, because negotiations are ongoing. I’d be lying if I gave you a name.” His future, too, appears to be taking a new direction.

Ahead of the Dubois rematch in July, he told DAZN, “I guess it’s my last two fights, with Dubois and next, I don’t know who.” But now, based on his latest remarks, where he hinted at boxing until he turns 41, it looks like Usyk plans to stay active until 2028. “I’ll fight until I’m 41,” he said, before adding what he hopes to do afterward: “Then I’ll build a sports academy—I’ll train there and train others.”

The undisputed champion’s plans may have thrown a wrench into hopes for a high-octane clash with the rising star.

The king knows what’s best

Itauma’s own career plans have already seen some disruption. Scheduled to face WBA Regular Champion Kubrat Pulev, his wait for a new opponent continues after Pulev opted for a title defense against Russian contender Murat Gassiev, who once gave Usyk one of his toughest fights.

Still, before anyone rushes to criticize Usyk, it’s worth looking at the bigger picture. After the Fury rematch, calls for a rematch with the resurgent Daniel Dubois grew louder. Given how their first bout ended controversially, many hoped the young Englishman would finally hand Usyk his first career loss.

However, the fight at Wembley erased any doubts about Usyk’s knockout power.

Now firmly established as the first three-time undisputed male champion, Usyk has by and large ticked every box for a Hall of Fame career. He has nothing left to prove and is well within his rights to choose who he fights next.

He still needs to deal with the WBO’s demands. Initially ordered to face his mandatory challenger Joseph Parker, Usyk, however, sought an extension, citing injury, and was subsequently granted a 90-day extension. So now he might have to face the winner of the upcoming match between Parker and Fabio Wardley, the WBA interim champion.

The coming weeks should reveal more developments on this front.

Who would you want Usyk to fight next?