“In an interview with The Ring, Usyk’s adviser talked about the Ukrainian boxer’s plans”, — write: sport.ua
Whoever wins on Saturday, October 25 in London will become the WBO’s mandatory challenger for Usyk, one of four titles held by the Ukrainian in addition to The Ring heavyweight championship belt. The WBO is next in the rotation system for unified champions. Mandatory defense was scheduled back in July, but it was postponed due to Usyk’s back injury.
Sergey Lapin reported that Usyk’s recovery from a back injury is “going great” after he recently underwent a “rehabilitation camp”: “He feels good and is in great shape.”
Usyk, 38, has struggled to decide on his next fight after his second knockout of Daniel Dubois in July, but said last week that he plans to box until he is 41. Lapin believes that Usyk has maybe 5 more fights left, but the third fight with Tyson Fury is unlikely to be among them.
“The Gypsy King” is aiming for a trilogy next year after two losses to Usyk in 2024, but Lapin sees no reason for such a fight. Usyk had already defeated Fury 2–0, and the rematch was more convincing than the first meeting.
Sergey Lapin: “Theoretically, this is an interesting option, but for whom? If boxing fans really support her, maybe. However, in my opinion, this chapter is already closed.”
Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) found himself in the spotlight when he appeared to back out of a fight with the promising Moses Itaumabut Lapin said that such a meeting is possible – just not now.
Itauma, 20, has yet to prove his mettle. In August, he defeated Dillian Whyte by TKO in the first round. While he is talented and considered by many to be the next big star in the heavyweight division, he needs to prove his readiness against a true top-10 fighter before Usyk will consider him as an opponent.
Sergey Lapin: “I wouldn’t say that Usyk doesn’t want to fight Itauma. He is a promising fighter and his team has done a good job of getting him to this level and ranking. But if you analyze the heavyweight division, there are many other strong fighters besides Usyk.
Itaumi still needs a serious test before the fight with the legend. Have we seen him go the full 12 rounds? Have you been in dangerous situations in the ring? My answer is no. At this stage, he does not have the tools to defeat Usyk.”