Oleksandr Usyk’s team has delivered a clear message to British-Nigerian heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma: defeat Fabio Wardley to earn a world title opportunity. Team Usyk director Sergey Lapin declared a bout between the two rising stars would serve as the perfect eliminator.

“A Wardley-Itauma showdown would be thrilling,” Lapin told Pro Boxing Fans. “It offers a serious test before facing boxing’s top champion.” This statement hints Usyk might soon vacate his WBO belt, with Wardley now the mandatory challenger.

Rising Prospects Collide

Wardley cemented his status by stopping Joseph Parker last month at London’s O2 Arena. This victory extended his unbeaten record to 20 wins and one draw. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Itauma boasts a perfect 13-0 record with 11 knockouts.

Itauma’s explosive first-round demolition of former title challenger Dillian Whyte sent shockwaves through the division. Following this dominant performance, he boldly declared readiness to challenge Usyk. The Ukrainian champion has previously defeated elite fighters like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Training Complications and Delayed Return

An Itauma-Wardley matchup faces complications since both train under Ben Davison. This situation might force promoters to explore alternative paths to determine Usyk’s next challenger. Additionally, Itauma’s return to the ring faces unexpected delays.

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed Itauma likely won’t fight in December as planned. Negotiations for a bout against WBA Regular champion Kubrat Pulev could push his next appearance to 2026. “The WBA ordered the Pulev fight,” Warren stated. “We must resolve this situation first.”

This development means Itauma won’t feature on the December 13 Manchester card headlined by Derek Chisora’s farewell bout. Boxing fans must now wait for negotiations to conclude before the young Nigerian-British star’s next move becomes clear.