The undisputed world champion has been ordered to make a defence of his titles against mandatory WBO challenger Joseph Parker but his team insists that the Ukrainian will take his time before selecting his next bout.

Serhii Lapin, the director of Usyk's team and CEO of Ready to Fight, said: "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.

"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."

Usyk faces losing his undisputed crown if he doesn't face Parker and the New Zealand fighter's promoter David Higgins has suggested that the unbeaten pugilist could take this route.

Higgins told Sky Sports: "There is no noise, no engagement, no negotiation from Usyk's team. All thinking and wisdom is that Usyk doesn't want to defend his WBO world title. That is the feeling."

Usyk has previously suggested that he wants to fight in Ukraine again before the end of his career, even though his native country remains at war with Russia.

The boxer, who last fought in Ukraine back in 2015, told ESPN: "I'm not hoping ... I know it will be that way.

"Everything I start doing, and everything I have started, I'll finish to the end."