Oleksandr Usyk won’t be rushing back to the ring.
The Ukrainian slickster was recently ordered by the WBO to defend his undisputed heavyweight crown against interim champion Joseph Parker.
As of July 27, both sides have been given 30 days to agree upon terms before the fight goes to a purse bid.
However, Usyk has requested an extension to those negotiations in order for him to recover from a niggling injury.
Now, Usyk’s team director, Sergey Lapin, has provided a lengthy statement to Ready to Fight, outlining their stance on the Ukrainian’s next steps.
“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,” said Lapin.
“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.
“So, guys, don’t push the horses.”
What happens if Oleksandr Usyk refuses to fight Joseph Parker?
If Usyk chooses to fight somebody else rather than Parker, then he will be forced to vacate his WBO belt.
The Kiwi would then be upgraded from interim to full world champion.
His first defence would likely be against Moses Itauma, who is currently ranked No.1 by the major sanctioning body.
In the immediate aftermath of Itauma’s first-round knockout victory over Dillian Whyte on Saturday night, Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh called for the 20-year-old to face Usyk next.
However, Itauma’s team are keen for their man to get more rounds under his belt before jumping in at the deep end.
Jermaine Franklin, who took Whyte and Anthony Joshua the distance in 2022 and 2023, has been mentioned as a potential next opponent.