Frank Warren, the veteran promoter who has shepherded many of Britain’s biggest boxing names, is confident that 21‑year‑old Moses Itauma is prepared to step into the ring with the current heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk. Warren, whose track record includes spotting and nurturing raw talent, believes that despite Itauma’s relative youth and limited experience at the elite level, he possesses the skill set and composure to challenge an unbeaten, unified champion who once held the undisputed heavyweight crown. Speaking to Sky Sports, Warren made his intentions clear: “I’m very keen on that fight.
Honestly, I’m thinking about it right now. I’m not in a hurry to push anyone, but if the opportunity arises I’d arrange it immediately.” His enthusiasm stems from Itauma’s most recent performance, a dominant display against Jermaine Franklin that ended in a spectacular knockout. The victory, which showcased Itauma’s power, timing, and ring intelligence, convinced Warren that the young fighter belongs among the division’s top contenders.
"He was brilliant," Warren praised. "His composure, his speed, his boxing IQ, everything about his ability and the maturity he displayed at such a young age is astonishing." Warren highlighted the fighter’s quick hands and his knack for delivering punches from unexpected angles, traits that make him a difficult opponent to predict. "If he continues to win, I see him fighting for a world title before the year is out," the promoter added.
The heavyweight landscape in 2026 is packed with high‑stakes match‑ups, and while a clash with Usyk would be a marquee event, several scenarios could affect whether the bout materialises. Usyk might choose to vacate one of his belts, or he could be obligated to defend his WBC title against mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel. Another possibility is a unification fight with the winner of the upcoming Fabio Wardley versus Daniel Dubois contest for the WBO crown. Each of these pathways could shift the timing of a potential Itauma‑Usyk showdown.
Nevertheless, Warren sees Itauma as a valuable opponent for Usyk at the right moment. "We’d want to schedule it when both fighters are still near their prime, not when one is past his best.
Over the years we’ve seen mismatches when a boxer is past his peak," he explained. He pointed to recent heavyweight bouts, such as the Manchester showdown between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, as examples of fighters who are still on the rise rather than on the decline. From Itauma’s perspective, the challenge is clear: “Usyk is undefeated, he’s regarded by many as the best of his era.
That’s the target I want to go after.” The young heavyweight’s confidence reflects his belief that he can compete with the very best, a sentiment reinforced by his recent knockout win and the backing of a promoter who has a history of building champions. Beyond the immediate prospect of a Usyk fight, Itauma’s trajectory suggests he will be a staple on the heavyweight card for years to come. His blend of speed, power, and tactical awareness makes him a stylistically versatile boxer capable of adapting to various opponents.
As he continues to accumulate victories, the logical next step is a world‑title opportunity, whether that comes against Usyk or another top‑ranked contender. The broader context of the sport also plays a role. Heavyweight boxing has entered a period where fans crave match‑ups that pit the most skilled fighters against each other, rather than relying on legacy or name recognition alone. Itauma’s rise aligns with this demand, offering a fresh narrative of a young, hungry challenger looking to dethrone an established champion.
In summary, Frank Warren’s endorsement of Moses Itauma underscores the promoter’s belief that the 21‑year‑old has the tools, temperament, and ambition to contend for a world title before the year concludes. While logistical factors surrounding Oleksandr Usyk’s mandatory defenses and potential unification plans could influence the exact timing, the consensus among insiders is that a bout between Itauma and Usyk would be a compelling headline event.
As Itauma continues to refine his craft and add victories to his record, the heavyweight division can expect to see him increasingly featured in high‑profile fights, with a world‑title shot looming on the horizon.