Frank Warren, the veteran promoter who has shepherded a host of British boxing stars to global fame, recently voiced his confidence that 21‑year‑old heavyweight Moses Itauma is ready to step into the ring with the division’s current king, Oleksandr Usyk. Warren’s assessment comes after Itauma’s emphatic knockout victory over Jermaine Franklin, a performance that many observers described as a masterclass in power and skill.
While the Ukrainian champion still holds multiple belts and remains unbeaten, Warren believes there is no reason to delay a potential showdown between the two, especially if the timing aligns with both fighters’ schedules. Warren, whose reputation for spotting and nurturing talent is well‑established, told Sky Sports, “I’m very keen on that fight. To be honest, I’m thinking about it right now. I don’t want to rush anyone, but if we could line it up, I’d do it today.” His enthusiasm is rooted in the belief that Itauma, despite his relative inexperience at the elite level, possesses the attributes required to challenge a unified champion.
At just 21, the young Briton has already demonstrated a composure and ring IQ that belie his age, qualities Warren highlighted when he said, “He was brilliant – his composure, speed, boxing brain, everything. The ability and maturity he showed for such a young fighter is unbelievable.” The recent bout against Jermaine Franklin served as a litmus test for Itauma’s readiness. Not only did he dominate the fight with crisp, fast hands and an unorthodox angle of attack, but he capped the encounter with a spectacular knockout that sent a clear message to the heavyweight landscape: he belongs among the division’s top contenders. Warren praised the young fighter’s technical prowess, noting, “He’s got such fast hands and he lands shots from unconventional angles as well.” This combination of speed, power, and tactical awareness is precisely what makes a heavyweight viable against a technically gifted champion like Usyk.
Looking ahead, Warren is confident that continued success will propel Itauma to a world‑title opportunity before the calendar year closes. “If he keeps winning, he’ll be fighting for the world title by the end of the year,” the promoter asserted. While the path to a championship bout is never straightforward, several scenarios could open the door for an Itauma‑Usyk clash.
Usyk might vacate one of his belts, or he could be obligated to defend his WBC title against mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel. Alternatively, the Ukrainian could pursue another unification bout, perhaps against the victor of the upcoming Fabio Wardley versus Daniel Dubois fight for the WBO crown. Each of these possibilities keeps the door ajar for a high‑profile encounter with the young British prospect.
Warren also stressed the importance of timing in arranging such a marquee matchup. “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 cited recent heavyweight contests in Manchester featuring rising talents like Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois as examples of fights that captured fan interest because both participants were still on the ascent rather than past their prime. This strategic consideration underscores Warren’s desire to see Itauma face Usyk when both athletes are at peak performance, ensuring a competitive and marketable showdown. From Itauma’s perspective, the prospect of taking on Usyk is both a challenge and an honor. “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, reflecting his respect for the Ukrainian champion’s accomplishments and his own ambition to test himself against the best.
The young heavyweight’s confidence is bolstered by his recent performances and the backing of a promoter who believes in his potential. Beyond the immediate fight talk, the broader heavyweight scene in 2026 promises several exciting events. Fans can look forward to a packed schedule of title defenses, unification bouts, and rising stars making their mark. Platforms like NOW are offering contract‑free streaming options for boxing fans, while podcasts such as Toe2Toe provide weekly analysis and insight into the sport’s developments.
Highlight reels and fight compilations continue to circulate across social media, keeping the momentum alive for both established champions and emerging contenders. In summary, Frank Warren’s public endorsement of Moses Itauma as a viable opponent for Oleksandr Usyk signals a potential shift in the heavyweight hierarchy. With a knockout win that showcased his speed, power, and tactical savvy, Itauma has earned a legitimate claim to a world‑title shot. Whether that opportunity materializes against Usyk or another champion remains to be seen, but the combination of Itauma’s youth, skill set, and promotional support positions him as a compelling figure in the heavyweight narrative as the year draws to a close.
Fans eager for a blockbuster clash should keep an eye on upcoming negotiations, mandatory defenses, and the evolving landscape of heavyweight boxing, where the next big fight could be just around the corner.