Frank Warren, the veteran promoter who has cultivated some of Britain’s most celebrated boxing talents, is openly declaring that Moses Itauma is ready to step into the ring with the current heavyweight king, Oleksandr Usyk. At just 21 years old, Itauma is still early in his professional journey, yet Warren believes the young Brit possesses the skill set and composure to challenge the unbeaten, unified champion. In a candid interview with Sky Sports, Warren expressed his enthusiasm: "I fancy that fight. I’ll be honest with you, I fancy that fight right now.
And I don’t rush anyone. If we could make that fight, I’d make that now." His words underscore a genuine desire to see Itauma tested against the very best, while also acknowledging the need for proper timing and preparation. Itauma’s most recent performance was a striking illustration of his potential.
Facing Jermaine Franklin, he delivered a masterclass, dismantling his opponent with a combination of crisp technique, relentless pressure, and a devastating knockout that left no doubt about his place among the division’s elite. Warren praised the bout, noting, "He was brilliant. His composure, his speed, his boxing brain, everything, his ability and the maturity he showed for such a young fighter is unbelievable.
He’s got such fast hands and he lands shots from unconventional angles as well." The promoter believes that if Itauma continues on this trajectory—maintaining his winning streak and refining his craft—he could be staring at a world‑title opportunity before the calendar flips to the next year. "Provided he keeps winning, he will fight for the world title by the end of the year," Warren affirmed.
The heavyweight landscape in 2026 is already brimming with intrigue. Usyk, the Ukrainian champion, may have several pathways ahead of him.
He could vacate one of his belts, fulfill a mandatory defense against WBC contender Agit Kabayel, pursue another unification bout—perhaps against the victor of the forthcoming Fabio Wardley versus Daniel Dubois clash for the WBO crown—or explore entirely different match‑ups. Each scenario reshapes the potential opponent pool for Itauma. Even if a direct Usyk showdown does not materialise, Warren insists Itauma remains an attractive prospect for any heavyweight champion. "At a good time as well, not when the guy’s really over the hill, we’ve seen that over the years where guys have fought not at their peak," he explained.
"In this heavyweight division in the last few years we’ve been getting the best fighting the best, like when you look at the fight next week in Manchester with Fabio and Daniel. They’re not over the hill guys.
They’re on the rise." From Itauma’s perspective, the logic is straightforward: Usyk is unbeaten, widely regarded as the best of his era, and a victory over him would cement any fighter’s legacy. "Usyk’s undefeated.
He is what he is and he’s considered to be the best of his era by a lot of people. Go for that," Itauma said, reflecting his ambition and respect for the Ukrainian champion. Beyond the immediate prospect of a Usyk clash, Warren is focused on building a sustainable career path for Itauma. This includes strategic matchmaking, continued development of his technical arsenal, and ensuring his physical prime aligns with the most lucrative opportunities.
The promoter also highlighted the importance of timing: striking while both fighters are at their peak performance levels maximises fan interest and financial returns. The broader boxing calendar is packed with high‑profile events, and the heavyweight division continues to deliver compelling narratives. With upcoming bouts such as the anticipated showdown between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, fans can expect a cascade of title implications that could open doors for rising stars like Itauma. As the sport evolves, promoters like Warren remain vigilant, ready to position their talents in the most advantageous spots.
In summary, Frank Warren’s confidence in Moses Itauma is rooted in tangible evidence—a dominant knockout of Jermaine Franklin, a display of ring IQ beyond his years, and a physical toolkit that includes rapid hand speed and unconventional angles. While the exact route to a world title—whether via a direct bout with Usyk or another championship fight—remains to be charted, the consensus among insiders is clear: Itauma is on a fast‑track trajectory toward the pinnacle of heavyweight boxing, with a potential title shot looming before the year’s end.
For those following the sport, the next few months promise to be pivotal. Whether it’s witnessing Itauma’s continued rise, a possible Usyk defense, or the outcome of other heavyweight clashes shaping the division’s hierarchy, the excitement is palpable. As Warren succinctly put it, the timing must be right, but the talent is undeniably present, and the heavyweight world is watching closely.