Usyk's Team Basically Tells Everyone to Chill Out (And I Don't Blame Them)

By Lewis Barnett 19 August, 2025 7 mins read 158 Views

Look, I get it. Everyone wants a piece of Oleksandr Usyk right now.

The Ukrainian absolute unit just demolished Daniel Dubois last month with a fifth-round knockout that had me rewinding the replay three times. Now every heavyweight and their promoter is lining up like it's Black Friday at Best Buy, all wanting their shot at the undisputed champion. Moses Itauma just flattened Dillian Whyte in under three minutes Saturday night and suddenly he's throwing his name in the hat too. Kid's got confidence, I'll give him that.

But here's the thing that's driving me nuts about this whole situation...

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The WBO's Weird 30-Day Ultimatum

Back on July 30th, the WBO gave Usyk exactly 30 days to agree to fight Joseph Parker or risk losing his belt. Thirty days! Like the man hasn't earned the right to take a breath after becoming undisputed heavyweight champion TWICE in the span of 18 months. That's not just physically exhausting – that's the kind of mental grind that ages you in dog years.

Usyk's team director Sergey Lapin basically told everyone to pump the brakes in a statement to Ready to Fight. And honestly? His response was perfect.

"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," Lapin said. "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."

Why "Don't Push the Horses" Hit Different

Then came my favorite line: "So, guys, don't push the horses."

I don't know if that's a Ukrainian expression or just Lapin being poetic, but it perfectly captures how ridiculous this whole rush has become. The man is 38 years old, has been through absolute wars with Tyson Fury (twice!), and just put on a clinic against Dubois. Maybe – just maybe – he deserves more than a month to figure out his next move?

Plus, Usyk apparently has an injury he's dealing with. Frank Warren confirmed to Sky Sports that the champion submitted a letter asking for an extension because of it. Warren added: "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."

That's promoter speak for "we're going to make money either way."

Moses Itauma: The Kid Who Might Actually Be Ready

Speaking of making money – let's talk about Moses Itauma for a second. This 20-year-old British prospect just did something to Dillian Whyte that I'm still trying to process. One round. Done. Whyte looked like he got hit by a freight train carrying another freight train.

When asked about potential opponents, Itauma mentioned "Joseph Parker, Agit Kabayel, and Usyk are good names, but I know the team want me to get rounds in before I get to those names." Smart kid. He knows he needs more experience, even if his power suggests otherwise.

Then he said something that made me laugh: "The boring answer is Jermaine Franklin, only because he will get me some rounds."

Poor Franklin. Being called the "boring" option has to sting a little.

Fury's Bold Prediction (That Might Not Be Wrong)

And then there's Tyson Fury, who apparently thinks Itauma is going to steamroll everyone in the division. The Gypsy King went full prophet mode: "Moses Itauma will wreck all them all old men out of the division. Usyk, AJ, Miller. Whoever there is that's old."

He specifically called out Usyk: "Even the man who took my belts. Usyk, Moses will wreck him because it's a young man versus an old man. And an old man can't mess with a young man."

Coming from the guy who lost to Usyk twice, this feels like wishful thinking mixed with genuine respect for young talent. But you know what? Fury might not be completely wrong about the age factor.

The Reality Check Nobody Wants to Hear

Here's what I think is really happening: Usyk has nothing left to prove and everything to lose.

He's cleaned out the division, beat Fury twice, and just reminded everyone why he's special with that Dubois performance. At 38, every fight from here is borrowed time. His team knows it, he knows it, and frankly, the sanctioning bodies should know it too.

The statement about him earning "the right to choose his own future" isn't just PR fluff – it's absolutely true. When you've reached the mountain top twice, you get to decide if you want to keep climbing or enjoy the view for a minute.

Will he fight Parker? Probably. Will he eventually face someone like Itauma? Maybe, if the money's right and his body holds up. But rushing him into decisions because of arbitrary deadlines feels wrong.

Sometimes the horses know when they need to rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone learn professional boxing?

While boxing is accessible to many, not everyone will have what it takes to compete at a professional level. Professional boxing demands a unique combination of talent as well as physical abilities, mental strength and dedication. The sport has inherent risks that potential boxers will have to be willing and able to take. A thorough examination by a trainer is a good way to determine whether or not someone has potential for a boxing career.

How important is physical fitness in professional boxing?

Physical fitness is essential for professional boxing. The sport demands high levels of strength, speed, endurance, and agility. Professional boxers have to adhere to a specific fitness program which includes aerobic, anaerobic, strength, resistance, and flexibility exercises. Boxers' ability to perform and train effectively in the ring will be compromised if they do not have superior physical condition.

What are the requirements to train for professional boxing?

For anyone to start training in professional boxing they must have a commitment to fitness, discipline and an open mind. Initial training involves mastering the fundamentals, including stance, footwork, punches, and defensive techniques. It's imperative to join a reputable boxing gym with experienced trainers who understand the nuances of professional competition. Before they compete, novice boxers usually undergo a regimen of intense conditioning, drills and sparring.

What is the best equipment for a beginner in professional boxing to start with?

Essential equipment for anyone who wants to start in professional boxing includes boxing glove, hand wraps and mouthguard (for sparring). Also included are proper footwear. The use of a heavy, speed, or double-end bag is essential for technical workouts. You should use durable, high-quality equipment to protect yourself from injury.

What are key elements of a fighter's training regimen?

A boxer's training routine typically consists of several key components. These include technical skill development, tactical drills, strength and conditioning, sparring, and mental preparation. While tactical drills are used to develop fighting strategies and improve defensive moves, technique-focused workouts focus on improving punch accuracy. Training exercises increase athleticism and sparring gives you a practical fighting experience. Mental training builds confidence, focus and resilience.

How do boxers control their weight and maintain their weight classes?

Boxers can control their weight by sticking to a strict training schedule and diet. They typically work with nutritionists to develop a diet plan that ensures they can reach their weight class target without sacrificing nutrition and energy required for training. The importance of regular weight check-ins and regular exercise is crucial, especially in the run up to a fight. Weight management can be a strategy that can cause health problems or poor performance if it is not done correctly.

What role do managers, promoters and agents play in a pro boxer’s career?

Managers and promoters play pivotal roles in a boxer's professional career. Managers are responsible for guiding the boxer's career path, negotiating contracts, and handling the business affairs of the boxer. They are also responsible for selecting the appropriate fights and protecting the boxer's interest. Promoters, on the other hand, focus on event organization, marketing fights, and attracting audience and sponsor attention, which enhances a boxer's public profile and earning potential.

Statistics

Reports suggest that successful professional boxers can earn upwards of 50 times more than the median purse for entry-level professionals per fight.
A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
Professional boxers typically train 4 to 6 hours per day, 5 to 6 days a week, depending on their fight schedule.
On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
Around 60% of professional boxers supplement their income with other activities or jobs, due to variability in fight earnings.
Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.
Less than 10% of professional boxers are undefeated throughout their career, highlighting the sport's competitive nature.

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How To

How to learn from and analyze professional boxers

Boxers are a great source of information about the sport. Analyze the movements and techniques of professional boxers. Focus on how they adjust to the different opponent, how to control their pace and defensive skills. Look at their footwork and combination to determine what is working and why. Observe how they react under pressure, and their mental strength in the face of adversity. Read their interviews and learn about their training regimes and philosophies. This knowledge can then be integrated into your own training and mindset.