The undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk remains in work mode and is already mapping out the next seasons. In a conversation with "Ukraine Now," the 38-year-old Ukrainian confirmed: he plans to have his next fight in 2026, but he is keeping the opponent’s name under wraps — the negotiation process dictates a pause. At the same time, Usyk candidly explained why he is not considering a bout with Moses Itauma right now and outlined his career horizon: boxing until 41, and then a sports academy of his own. Against the backdrop of the WBO obligation to agree a fight with the interim champion by December 25 and the fresh memory of the knockout of Daniel Dubois — an in-depth talk about the present and the future.
"The Camp Was Yesterday": On Training Rhythm and Return Date
— Oleksandr, you are back in camp mode. What are your timelines for returning?
— Yes, just yesterday I was in training camp. We are working calmly, without rushing; the foundation is being laid. The plan is this: the next fight is next year, that is, in 2026. I take a realistic view of the preparation cycle and the division’s calendar.
Opponent Filed Under "Negotiations"
— Can you at least roughly name the opponent?
— I don’t want to mislead anyone. Negotiations are ongoing; it’s a delicate matter: until everything is agreed, naming names would be deceiving. As soon as everything comes together legally and sportingly, you will hear it officially.
"Itauma? Young, Let Him Grow": Why This Fight Isn’t Now
— Moses Itauma’s name keeps coming up among the heavyweight elite. Are you considering him?
— Not at the moment. The guy is young, energized, promising — and precisely for that reason there’s no need to rush. He even joked himself that he doesn’t ‘hit grandpas.’ So let him bank rounds, let him grow. Our paths may cross someday, but definitely not now.
Career Horizon and the "Academy" Plan
— Up to what age do you see yourself in top-level boxing?
— My internal deadline is 41. Until then — the ring, big fights, title stories. After that I want to build my own sports academy. There I will both train myself and coach the guys: pass on experience and build a preparation system — from the basics to competition readiness.
WBO Deadline and the Realities of the Sanctioning Calendar
— The WBO has set a deadline: by December 25 you need to agree a bout with the interim champion. How much does this affect your plans?
— It’s part of the regulations. The teams are talking, and the deadlines are taken into account. I’ll repeat: while the process is underway, announcing names isn’t right. It’s important to me that the matchmaking is sportingly logical and legally clean.
"The Knockout Is Already in the Past": On the Win Over Dubois
— Your last fight ended with a knockout of Daniel Dubois. What did that episode add to your toolkit?
— Every victory is both a result and material for analysis. A knockout is beautiful for the spectator, but for a boxer the path matters more: preparation, rounds, decisions in the moment. For me, that evening is a closed chapter and a step up in understanding distance and timing.
The Champion’s Motivation
— What keeps you in shape when the belts are already collected?
— Discipline and respect for the craft. I still enjoy waking up with the thought of training, working on details, developing speed, timing, and footwork. As long as that hunger is there, boxing remains my place of power.
