Oleksandr Usyk to take time in choosing next opponent

Oleksandr Usyk is in no rush to choose his next opponent as he recovers from an injury and has “earned the right to choose his own future,” his team said.

Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) knocked Daniel Dubois out in Round 5 at Wembley Stadium last month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.

The Ukrainian was immediately ordered by the WBO to fight its interim champion, Joseph Parker, and given 30 days from July 22 to negotiate before purse bids would be ordered.

Since then, Usyk’s team has asked the governing body for an extension. Having requested 90 extra days, the WBO granted 30 more.

Serhii Lapin, Usyk’s childhood friend and director of his team, said it won’t be rushed into deciding its next move.

“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,” Lapin told Ready to Fight.

“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,” Lapin said.

“And, ultimately, simply to rest and spend time with his family. 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,” he concluded.

Usyk beat Tyson Fury twice in 2024 before taking the rematch with Dubois.