Oleksand Usyk has revealed that he will return to the ring in 2026, though not against Moses Itauma

Oleksandr Usyk will fight until 41

Boxing fans' prayers have been answered, as Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KO’s) has announced that he will step back into the squared circle sooner rather than later. 

The three-time undisputed champion has been out battling injury since his summer demolition job over Daniel Dubois (22-3, 21 KO’s).  

It took the Ukrainian just five rounds to find a stoppage, and despite his age, he is looking better than ever. 

The 38-year-old had previously announced that he would fight just once more, though it now seems he has done a U-turn on that decision. 

“I’ll fight until I’m 41. Then I’ll build a sports academy - I’ll train there and train others,” Usyk told Ready to Fight. 

The news just gets better and better, with the Ukrainian continuing, revealing that he is back in the gym following his back injury earlier in the year.

The injury forced him to postpone an undisputed showdown with WBO mandatory challenger Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KO’s) - who is now fighting Fabio Wardley on October 25. 

Usyk hasn’t confirmed his next opponent - though it will likely be the winner of the Parker-Wardley clash. 

Although he did confirm who it wouldn’t be - fast-rising prospect Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KO’s).

“No, I won’t fight Itauma,” Usyk said.

“He’s young - always teasing me. And he said himself that he doesn’t hit grandpas. 

“I can’t say who exactly [I’ll fight next] because negotiations are ongoing. I’d be lying if I gave you a name.”

Itauma is set to fight in December, although for now, his opponent remains unknown. The WBA had ordered its secondary champion, Kubrat Pulev, to face the young Briton, though he instead remains keen to defend his belt against Murat Gassiev in December.