Frank Warren, the veteran promoter who has guided some of Britain’s biggest boxing names, is confident that the 21‑year‑old heavyweight Moses Itauma is prepared to step into the ring with the sport’s current king, Oleksandr Usyk. Warren, whose eye for talent has produced champions across multiple weight classes, believes that despite Itauma’s relative inexperience at the elite level, his skill set and recent performances merit a showdown with the unbeaten, unified champion. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Warren made his intentions clear: “I’m very keen on that fight. To be honest, I’m thinking about it right now.
I’m not in a rush to push anyone, but if the opportunity arises, I would make it happen immediately.” His enthusiasm reflects a broader strategy to position Itauma as a marquee attraction in the heavyweight division, which has been dominated by a handful of high‑profile bouts in recent years. Itauma’s most recent outing was a decisive victory over Jermaine Franklin, a fight that showcased his power, technical acumen, and composure under pressure.
The bout ended with a spectacular knockout, reinforcing the notion that Itauma belongs among the division’s upper echelons. Warren praised the young fighter, noting, “He was brilliant. His composure, speed, boxing IQ, and overall ability were extraordinary for someone his age. He throws punches from unusual angles with lightning‑fast hands, and his maturity in the ring is astonishing.” The promoter went on to outline a timeline for Itauma’s ascent, stating, “If he continues to win, I see him fighting for a world title before the year is out.” This projection aligns with the current landscape of heavyweight boxing, where unification bouts and mandatory defenses are reshaping the championship picture.
Looking ahead, the path to a title fight against Usyk is not guaranteed. The Ukrainian champion may choose to vacate one of his belts, fulfill a mandatory defense against the likes of Agit Kabayel, or pursue another unification bout—potentially against the victor of the upcoming clash between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois for the WBO crown.
Each scenario presents a different set of challenges and opportunities for both Usyk and any prospective challenger. Nevertheless, Warren believes that Itauma remains a compelling option for a future Usyk fight, especially if the timing is right.
“We want a fight at a point when both fighters are still in their prime, not when one is past his peak. History shows that matches between aging heavyweights often fail to deliver the excitement fans crave,” he explained. He cited recent high‑profile matchups, such as the upcoming Manchester bout between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, as examples of rising talents delivering fresh intrigue to the division.
From Itauma’s perspective, the prospect of facing Usyk is both daunting and motivating. “Usyk is undefeated and widely regarded as the best of his era.
That’s the kind of opponent I want to test myself against,” the young heavyweight said, underscoring his ambition to measure his abilities against the very best. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is packed with marquee events, and the heavyweight division remains a focal point for fans and broadcasters alike. Streaming platforms like NOW are offering contract‑free access to fights, while podcasts such as Toe2Toe provide weekly analysis and insight.
Highlight reels continue to circulate, keeping the sport’s most thrilling moments in the public eye. While a direct Usyk‑Itauma clash may still be a few steps away, the groundwork is being laid. Warren’s confidence, Itauma’s recent knockout, and the shifting dynamics of heavyweight titles all point toward a potential showdown that could capture global attention.
If Itauma maintains his winning streak and continues to develop the attributes that have already impressed his promoter—speed, unconventional angles, and a mature ring mind—there is a realistic chance he will be in the mix for a world title bout before the calendar turns to the next year. Fans can also look forward to other significant matchups, such as the Sky Sports broadcast of Chris Billam‑Smith versus Ryan Rozicki on Saturday, June 6, which promises to deliver additional excitement and showcase the depth of talent emerging in the heavyweight ranks. As the sport evolves, the narrative of a young, hungry contender like Moses Itauma challenging an established champion like Oleksandr Usyk adds a compelling chapter to boxing’s ever‑turning story.