OLEKSANDR USYK’S team have insisted that the Ukrainian has earned the right to choose his next fight.
The undisputed heavyweight champion brilliantly defeated Britain’s Daniel Dubois via fifth-round knockout last month.
GettyOleksandr Usyk brilliantly defended his belts last month[/caption]
EPAUsyk, 38, defeated Daniel Dubois via fifth-round KO[/caption]
Several stars want a crack at Usyk, with Moses Itauma the latest to stake his claim after devastatingly knocking out Dillian Whyte within the first round on Saturday night.
The WBO have ordered the Cat to fight mandatory challenger Joseph Parker next.
On July 30, Usyk was given 30 days to agree a fight with the Kiwi or risk losing his WBO belt.
Discussing his man’s next move with Ready to Fight, Usyk’s team director Sergey Lapin said: “Throughout his entire professional career, both Oleksandr Usyk and our whole team have proven that we respect all potential opponents as well as the rules that govern professional boxing.
“Over the past year and a half, Usyk has accomplished a historic achievement by becoming the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion twice.
“That demanded tremendous physical and mental effort, and great sacrifice.
“The champion has earned the chance to let his body recover from the effects of a punishing training regime and from injuries that are often invisible to the outside world.
“And, ultimately, simply to rest and spend time with his family.
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GettyMoses Itauma produced a devastating performance against Dillian Whyte[/caption]
“Most importantly: he has earned the right to choose his own future – and to take the time he needs to make that decision.
“So, guys, don’t push the horses.”
Usyk, 38, wants the 30 day negotiation period with Parker to be extended due to an injury.
Frank Warren revealed to Sky Sports: “He (Usyk) put a letter in yesterday stating that he’s asked him for an extension period, because he’s injured, before being ordered to do anything.
“Whatever happens, the fact of life is Joseph Parker will either fight as champion if Usyk vacates or he will fight Usyk for the title…”
Speaking to Boxing News about his potential next opponent, exciting 20-year-old Brit Itauma said: “Joseph Parker, [Agit] Kabayel, and Usyk are good names, but I know the team want me to get rounds in before I get to those names.
“The boring answer is Jermaine Franklin, only because he will get me some rounds.”
‘WILL WRECK ALL THEM’
Tyson Fury reckons that Itauma is ready to do what he could not – defeat Usyk.
The Gypsy King bellowed: “Boxing is a young man’s game. It waits for nobody. So here is the opinion, and you heard it here first.
“Moses Itauma will wreck all them all old men out of the division.
“Usyk, AJ, Miller. Whoever there is that’s old. Zhang, whoever else the f**k there is, Luis Ortiz. All these big names of the past.
“Even the man who took my belts. Usyk, Moses will wreck him because it’s a young man versus an old man. And an old man can’t mess with a young man.”
GettyTyson Fury has backed Itauma to beat Usyk[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
