The heavyweight boxing world has always thrived on drama, spectacle, and moments where the past collides with the future. Today, no potential matchup embodies that dynamic more than Oleksandr Usyk vs Moses Itauma. On one side, there is Usyk, the undisputed champion, a seasoned warrior who has proven his greatness by dismantling some of the biggest names in the sport. On the other side is Itauma, a 19-year-old knockout artist being hailed as the “future of heavyweight boxing.” After Itauma’s thunderous knockout victory over former world title challenger Dillian Whyte, whispers quickly turned into shouts: could this teenager actually be the man to dethrone Usyk?
This question is dividing the boxing community. Supporters believe that boxing thrives on boldness, and that a generational clash between Usyk and Itauma would inject fresh energy into the sport. Skeptics, however, argue that such a fight would be premature, possibly even reckless, given Itauma’s lack of big-fight experience. In this article, we’ll examine both sides of the debate, looking at Itauma’s meteoric rise, the arguments for and against the fight, expert opinions, tactical considerations, and the realistic pathway ahead.
Moses Itauma’s Meteoric Rise
Moses Itauma’s journey so far has been nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Kent, England, with Ghanaian heritage, Itauma began making headlines long before turning professional. He was one of the most celebrated amateur prospects in the United Kingdom, and when he turned professional in 2023, expectations were sky-high. Those expectations only grew after each emphatic performance.
By the time he stepped into the ring against Dillian Whyte, Itauma had already built an impressive record of 12–0 with 10 knockouts. Against Whyte, a seasoned heavyweight who once stood toe-to-toe with Anthony Joshua, Itauma delivered the kind of statement victory that electrifies a sport. A perfectly timed combination sent Whyte crashing to the canvas, and suddenly, Itauma was no longer just a prospect, he was the talk of the division.
His style plays a huge role in that excitement. As a southpaw, Itauma has an awkward angle advantage over most of his opponents. Combined with his speed, explosiveness, and natural knockout power, he brings a level of unpredictability that makes him dangerous to anyone who steps in front of him. TalkSport even described him as the “British Mike Tyson,” a young fighter with the kind of ferocity and fearlessness that makes fans believe they are witnessing the start of something historic.
At only 19 years of age, Itauma has already been sparring with elite fighters, learning from the likes of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in training camps. He is not just strong, but also gaining valuable insight into what it takes to compete at the highest levels of the sport. His promoter Frank Warren has praised him as “an unbelievable talent,” while outlets such as Ring Magazine have emphasized Itauma’s own eagerness to test himself against elite opposition sooner rather than later.
The question is whether that eagerness should be directed at the man who sits atop the heavyweight throne: Oleksandr Usyk.
Why Fans and Promoters Want Usyk vs Itauma
The appeal of Oleksandr Usyk vs Moses Itauma lies not just in the clash of styles, but in the story that would unfold in front of fans worldwide. Every great era in boxing is marked by “passing of the torch” fights, where a legend collides with a young lion. Usyk versus Itauma fits that script perfectly.
Oleksandr Usyk is already a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He cleaned out the cruiserweight division, becoming its undisputed champion, before moving up to heavyweight and shocking the world by dethroning Anthony Joshua. He then cemented his dominance by outboxing Tyson Fury in their historic showdown, proving that skill, intelligence, and ring IQ can overcome size and brute force. At 38 years old, Usyk has little left to prove, but he remains at the pinnacle of the sport.
For promoters, the intrigue is undeniable. Turki Alalshikh, the influential Saudi boxing chief who has been instrumental in bringing mega-fights to Riyadh, has already expressed his desire to see Usyk face Itauma. In Alalshikh’s eyes, this would be a generational clash that attracts both hardcore boxing enthusiasts and casual fans. The stakes are not only athletic but symbolic: a young prodigy challenging a reigning master for supremacy.
Itauma himself has not shied away from the idea. He admitted that he would love the opportunity to face Usyk. That kind of confidence resonates strongly with boxing fans, who often lament the tendency of modern fighters to protect their records rather than chase greatness. When a teenager says he wants to fight the undisputed champion, it feels refreshing, bold, and reminiscent of eras gone by when young fighters chased the biggest challenges without hesitation.
Add to this the fans’ hunger for fresh storylines in the heavyweight division, and it is easy to see why so many are captivated by the possibility. Usyk versus Itauma would not only test the young Briton’s credentials but would also answer the question of whether the old guard can hold off the next wave of heavyweight talent.
The Counterpoint: Why It Might Be Too Soon
For every voice urging Itauma to take the leap, there are just as many urging patience. Experienced observers know how quickly a promising career can be derailed by one miscalculated step.
Tony Bellew, the former world champion who knows Usyk’s skill firsthand from their cruiserweight clash, has been particularly outspoken. He called the idea of Usyk vs Itauma next “absolute madness,” noting that Itauma has yet to fight beyond six rounds in a professional contest. Usyk, meanwhile, is one of the best-conditioned athletes in the sport, with the ability to maintain focus and energy across a grueling 12-round battle. Bellew warned that pitting a 19-year-old against such a seasoned champion risks not only defeat, but humiliation, and that such an outcome could permanently harm Itauma’s development and confidence.
History offers cautionary tales. Fighters like Fernando Vargas and David Price were thrust into major fights too soon, only for their careers to lose momentum after damaging defeats. The aura of invincibility, once shattered, is difficult to rebuild. For Itauma, who is still developing his stamina, tactical versatility, and mental composure, taking on Usyk at this stage could be like climbing Everest without proper equipment.
Another practical hurdle is Usyk’s current obligations. According to Bad Left Hook, Usyk has been ordered to defend his titles against Joseph Parker. Although he has requested an extension due to an injury, this mandatory fight still looms on the horizon. That means Usyk’s immediate future may already be mapped out, leaving Itauma to continue his development against other contenders.
Patience may prove to be Itauma’s best ally. A gradual step-up in opposition, rather than a sudden leap to the very top, could allow him to build not only his skillset but also the kind of fan base and hype that would make a fight with Usyk even bigger down the line.
Tactical Breakdown Power vs Precision
Beyond the business and the narratives lies the fundamental question of how the fight would unfold inside the ring. On paper, the contrast between Usyk and Itauma could not be starker.
Usyk is a master craftsman. His footwork is second to none in the heavyweight division, honed during his years as a cruiserweight where speed and agility were paramount. He creates angles that leave opponents frustrated and swinging at air, while his ability to control distance and pace makes him a nightmare to chase. Over twelve rounds, his stamina rarely fades, and his composure remains unshaken, even under pressure from much bigger punchers.
Itauma, by contrast, thrives on explosive bursts of aggression. His power is his greatest weapon, and his southpaw stance makes him awkward for traditional fighters to prepare for. Against Whyte, Itauma demonstrated the ability to deliver fight-ending shots with both hands, reminding fans that his youth does not diminish his danger.
In a direct matchup, Itauma’s best hope would be to catch Usyk early, before the Ukrainian establishes his rhythm. A fast start, backed by the energy of youth and the unpredictability of raw power, could cause problems for Usyk. However, sustaining that intensity across a full 12-round championship distance would be a monumental challenge. More likely, Usyk’s precision, patience, and ability to adapt mid-fight would gradually neutralize Itauma’s offense, leading to a late stoppage or wide decision victory for the champion.
What’s Next if Not Usyk?
If the Usyk fight does not happen immediately and given mandatory obligations and expert caution, that is the more realistic scenario then who should Itauma face next?
Names such as Jermaine Franklin have been floated as potential opponents. Franklin is a durable heavyweight known for his resilience, and he could provide Itauma with something he desperately needs: rounds. To this point, Itauma has been blowing away his opponents so quickly that he has rarely been tested in the later stages of a fight. Facing Franklin, who has gone the distance with fighters like Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, would allow Itauma to gain valuable experience without risking a catastrophic setback.
Another name in the mix is Agit Kabayel, the German contender who recently scored a significant upset victory and has shown that he is capable of testing even top-tier heavyweights. Kabayel brings experience, toughness, and a contrasting style that could challenge Itauma in ways he has not yet encountered.
Then there is Joseph Parker. While Parker is currently in line to fight Usyk, the unpredictability of boxing politics means circumstances can change quickly. If Usyk delays or vacates his titles, Parker could become a prime candidate for Itauma to face in a major bout. Parker’s combination of durability and experience would make him an ideal measuring stick to determine whether Itauma is ready for the very elite.
Whichever direction his team chooses, the key is to balance risk with development. Itauma has the natural talent to reach the very top, but every step must be carefully measured to ensure his rise is sustainable.
FAQs
Will Usyk vs Itauma happen next?
The short answer is probably not. Usyk’s obligations to face Joseph Parker, combined with Itauma’s need for more experience, make it unlikely that the fight will be booked immediately.
Is Moses Itauma ready for Usyk?
From a talent perspective, Itauma is already an extraordinary prospect. However, in terms of experience, stamina, and tactical maturity, most experts agree that he still needs time before facing someone of Usyk’s caliber.
What do experts say about the matchup?
Opinions are divided. Promoter Turki Alalshikh has advocated for the fight, saying it would be a generational spectacle. Itauma himself has expressed interest. Yet Tony Bellew and other seasoned voices warn that such a matchup would be premature and potentially damaging.
What are Itauma’s most likely next fights?
Jermaine Franklin, Agit Kabayel, or possibly Joseph Parker if circumstances shift. These opponents would provide the right mix of challenge and opportunity for growth.
How does this fit into the future of the heavyweight division?
Whether Itauma faces Usyk now or later, he is clearly being positioned as a central figure in the heavyweight division’s future. If Usyk maintains his dominance, a clash between them in a year or two could become one of the biggest events in modern boxing.
Conclusion
So, should Oleksandr Usyk vs Moses Itauma happen next? The debate remains as fiery as ever. Supporters see a thrilling generational battle, the kind of event that could inject new energy into heavyweight boxing. Detractors warn that the timing is all wrong, that Itauma is not yet ready to face one of the most technically gifted fighters of his generation.
The truth may lie somewhere in between. Itauma’s time will almost certainly come, but rushing him into a fight with Usyk at this stage risks undermining everything he has built so far. Instead, a more measured approach facing experienced contenders, learning to manage long fights, and continuing to sharpen his craft may be the wiser path. Then, when the fight finally does happen, it will not only answer the question of whether Itauma can dethrone Usyk, but it will also arrive with even greater anticipation and global attention.
Boxing thrives on drama, and the thought of a teenager stepping into the ring with the undisputed champion is undeniably compelling. Whether it happens next or further down the line, one thing is clear: Moses Itauma is on a collision course with greatness, and Oleksandr Usyk may be the final exam that determines whether he passes into the pantheon of heavyweight legends.
