‘Don’t push the horses’ – Oleksandr Usyk’s team releases statement on Ukrainian’s future after injury setback

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.

JUST IN: Usyk’s Secret Mission: The Champ’s Most Important

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.

Usyk’s Secret Mission: The Champ’s Most Important Fight

Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk once again showed his deep connection to his homeland by visiting wounded members of the Ukrainian National Guard over the weekend.

The four-belt ruler, fresh from his July 19 victory over Daniel Dubois, travelled to one of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ medical centers to meet soldiers recovering from frontline injuries.

According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, Usyk personally spoke with the service members in an impromptu act, thanking them for their courage and wishing them a swift recovery.

READ: Oleksandr Usyk makes Joseph Parker fight request after

A Champion’s Mission Beyond the Ring
In a message that resonated far beyond the boxing world, Usyk told them, “What you have done and continue to do is invaluable.

“Each of you is a true hero. I wish you a speedy recovery, because Ukraine needs strong and unbreakable people.”

The three-time undisputed, two-weight champion also drew a powerful connection between sport and the battlefield, underlining the shared foundations of resilience, determination, and patriotism.

“Victories on the battlefield and in sports share a common foundation: strength of spirit, self-confidence, and love for one’s homeland,” he said.

But Usyk’s role goes further than inspiration at the bedside. Highlighting Ukraine’s voice on the international stage, Usyk recently shared time with President Zelenskyy.

The President highlighted the importance of keeping his country’s struggle visible to the broader world.

“Today, we all strive to make Ukraine’s voice strong and influential in the world, so that as many people as possible around the globe know the story of Ukraine’s fight for life.

“This is possible when, on the international stage, the efforts of politicians and diplomats are supported by Ukrainian legends known in every corner of the planet. One of them is our undisputed world champion, Oleksandr Usyk.

“We also addressed the promotion of healthy lifestyles among young people and the support and motivation of children who are actively engaged in sports.

“We are working together, for Ukraine, for freedom, for peace.”

Usyk’s Global Influence
The words underline why Usyk has become more than just a champion inside the ropes. As the only man to unify both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions in the four-belt era, his athletic legacy is already assured.

Yet his influence as a national figurehead continues to grow, extending far beyond boxing.

For Usyk, victories in the ring are only part of the fight. The most crucial mission is ensuring the world never forgets the trials, sacrifices, and resilience of the Ukrainian people.