Oleksandr Usyk Backs Moses Itauma as Future Heavyweight Champion
Oleksandr Usyk, the unbeaten Ukrainian heavyweight, has tipped British‑Nigerian prospect Moses Itauma to take over the division once his own reign ends, dismissing the current stars like Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Usyk, who boasts a 24‑0 record, said he sees Itauma as the next undisputed champion, calling the 20‑year‑old a great fighter with a huge future.
The endorsement carries weight because Usyk has recently defeated Joshua, Fury and Dubois twice in his last six fights, solidifying his position at the summit of heavyweight boxing.
Itauma, now 21, has quickly become one of boxing’s most exciting young talents. He remains unbeaten in 14 bouts, with 12 knockouts, and in March he became the first fighter to stop Jermaine Franklin Jr inside the distance at Manchester’s Co‑op Live Arena.
The Kent‑based southpaw holds the WBA International and WBO Intercontinental heavyweight belts, is the WBO mandatory challenger and sits atop the WBA rankings.
Other figures in the sport echo Usyk’s praise. Tyson Fury, who sparred with Itauma in 2024, called him the future of the division on Instagram, while promoter Frank Warren described the 21‑year‑old as the most talented heavyweight he has ever seen at that age, urging caution with expectations.
Itauma is slated to headline the O2 Arena in London on August 8, with negotiations underway for a potential showdown against Filip Hrgovic, who recently knocked out Dave Allen in three rounds.
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