Oleksandr Usyk’s team has revealed that the 38-year-old has earned the right to choose his next opponent, as calls for a match with Moses Itauma surface.
Usyk showed his class when he floored Britain’s Daniel Dubois in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium last month.
Now, as undisputed champion, many fighters are lining up for a chance to take a shot at the Ukrainian, but his team has confirmed he will choose his next fighter.
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The WBO warned on July 30 that Usyk had 30 days to agree to a fight with Joseph Parker or risk losing his WBO belt.
His team director, Sergey Lapin, has released a statement as the 30 days come to an end: “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.
Oleksandr Usyk's team have confirmed the fighter will choose his next steps
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"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. Most importantly: he has earned the right to choose his own future – and to take the time he needs to make that decision.
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"So, guys, don’t push the horses,” he concluded.
Usyk has requested an extension of the 30-day period due to 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.
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The Ukrainian dropped Daniel Dubois in the fifth round last month to become undisputed heavyweight champion
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"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,” he revealed.
Moses Itauma is also waiting in the wings after his devastating take-down of Dillion White in the first round last Saturday.
Tyson Fury has thrown his support behind Itauma, claiming he could defeat Usyk.
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The Gypsy King stated: “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
Moses Itauma claimed the WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight championship last week
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"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,” he bellowed.
Fury is also set to have a trilogy bout with Usyk, as he confirmed on social media he will be fighting him at Wembley in April next year.