Frank Warren, the veteran British promoter who has shepherded numerous boxing legends, says that the 21‑year‑old heavyweight Moses Itauma is already ready to step into the ring with the sport’s current king, Oleksandr Usyk. Warren’s confidence stems from Itauma’s recent performances, which have demonstrated a blend of power, technique and composure rarely seen in a fighter of his age and experience. Warren, whose résumé includes building the careers of such icons as Lennox Lewis, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, has a reputation for spotting raw talent and nurturing it into world‑class status.
He believes that despite Itauma’s relatively brief résumé at the elite level, his skill set and mental maturity qualify him to challenge an unbeaten, unified champion who also holds the distinction of having been the undisputed heavyweight a short time ago. Speaking to Sky Sports, Warren was candid about 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.” Those words convey not only excitement but also a strategic patience; Warren wants the bout to happen under the right circumstances, yet he is prepared to move quickly if the stars align. Itauma’s most recent outing was a masterclass against Jermaine Franklin. The fight ended in a spectacular knockout, a finish that underscored Itauma’s ability to dominate a seasoned opponent.
Warren praised the performance, 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.” The promoter highlighted the fighter’s quick hands and his knack for delivering punches from unconventional angles—attributes that make him a difficult puzzle for any opponent to solve.
According to Warren, as long as Itauma continues his winning streak, a world‑title opportunity should materialise 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,” the promoter asserted, positioning the upcoming months as a critical window for the young heavyweight’s ascent. The broader heavyweight landscape adds further intrigue.
While a showdown with Usyk is a tantalising prospect, the Ukrainian champion’s future plans remain fluid. He could vacate one of his belts, embark on a mandatory defense of his WBC title against Agit Kabayel, or pursue another unification bout—perhaps against the victor of the Fabio Wardley versus Daniel Dubois clash for the WBO crown.
Each scenario reshapes the potential path for Itauma, but Warren remains optimistic that the Ukrainian’s schedule could accommodate a lucrative clash with the rising British star. Warren cautioned against timing the fight when Usyk might be past his prime. “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. He pointed to recent heavyweight match‑ups in Manchester, where both Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois are still on the rise, illustrating a trend where the division’s best are meeting while they are still in their physical prime.
From Itauma’s perspective, the allure of facing Usyk is clear. “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 remarked, expressing both respect for the Ukrainian champion and a desire to test himself against the very best. If the fight does materialise, it would be a watershed moment for the heavyweight division.
Usyk, who has already cemented his legacy by unifying the heavyweight titles, would face a younger, hungry challenger who combines raw power with a surprisingly sophisticated boxing IQ. For Itauma, a victory would catapult him into the elite echelons of the sport, potentially setting up further high‑profile bouts and cementing his status as a future world champion. Beyond the immediate fight talk, the heavyweight calendar for 2026 is already shaping up with several marquee events. Fans can look forward to streaming options that promise a contract‑free viewing experience, while podcasts such as Toe2Toe continue to deliver weekly insights into the sport’s evolving narratives.
Highlight reels and in‑depth analysis will keep enthusiasts engaged as the division heads toward a pivotal season. In summary, Frank Warren’s endorsement of Moses Itauma signals a serious shift in the heavyweight conversation.
The young Brit’s recent knockout, combined with his technical acumen and composure, have convinced a seasoned promoter that a bout with Oleksandr Usyk is not only feasible but potentially imminent. While the exact timing and opponent for Usyk remain uncertain, the momentum behind Itauma’s rise suggests that a world‑title showdown could be on the horizon, possibly before the year concludes. The boxing world will be watching closely as negotiations unfold and as both fighters prepare for what could become one of the most compelling heavyweight clashes of the era.