Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has put an end to the rumors surrounding a potential fight with young British prospect Moses Itauma, a fighter many have dubbed “the new Mike Tyson.” Just months away from turning 39, the Ukrainian has made it clear that his focus is shifting away from title defenses and toward planning his life beyond the ring.

Usyk rules out Itauma: “I won’t fight him”

After conquering the pinnacle of world boxing for the second time, Usyk is in no rush to step back between the ropes. In an interview with Ready To Fight, the champion was blunt: “No, I won’t fight Itauma. He’s young, he keeps mocking me… and besides, he said he doesn’t hit grandfathers.” With those words, the Ukrainian closed the door on a matchup many fans saw as a generational clash between experience and youth.

At just 20 years old, Moses Itauma has quickly become one of Britain’s brightest boxing prospects. In only two years as a professional, he has captured the public’s attention with an aggressive style reminiscent of a young Mike Tyson. However, his road to glory will have to wait, as Usyk seems to have other plans before hanging up his gloves.

The Ukrainian hinted that his career could extend until age 41 — meaning he could continue fighting until 2028. “I’ll keep boxing until I’m 41. After that, I’ll build a sports academy, train there, and help others,” he explained. With that statement, Usyk revealed that his legacy will extend far beyond the ring.

A champion choosing his own path

Usyk’s decision comes at a time when the heavyweight division is undergoing a major transition. While speculation continues about a possible trilogy with Tyson Fury or a rematch with Daniel Dubois, the Ukrainian appears more interested in ending his career on his own terms.

His dominance speaks for itself: he has become the first male boxer to be an undisputed champion three times and has faced some of the toughest opponents on the planet, from Anthony Joshua to Fury.

The champion still has obligations to meet with the WBO, which has ordered him to defend his title against the winner of the upcoming bout between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley, the current interim champion.

For now, Usyk’s future seems to lie between finishing his career on a historic note and nurturing the next generation of fighters. He may never face the “new Mike Tyson,” but his legacy already places him among boxing’s rarest breed — the immortals of the sport.