Usyk Hails Itauma As Future King Of The Heavyweight Division

Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has identified rising British-Nigerian heavyweight Moses Itauma as the fighter most likely to dominate the heavyweight division after his era, overlooking more established names such as Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois.

According to reports, the unbeaten Usyk, who boasts 24 professional victories, praised Itauma during a recent interview, describing the 21-year-old as a talented young fighter with enormous potential and predicting he could become the next undisputed heavyweight champion.

Usyk’s endorsement carries considerable weight following his dominance of the heavyweight scene in recent years. The 38-year-old has secured victories over Joshua, Fury and Dubois across his last six fights, firmly establishing himself as one of boxing’s leading figures.

Itauma has continued to build an impressive reputation in the sport, remaining undefeated in 14 professional bouts while recording 12 knockouts. His profile rose even higher in March after stopping Jermaine Franklin Jr. at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, becoming the first fighter to halt the American inside the distance.

The Kent-based southpaw currently holds the WBA International and WBO Intercontinental heavyweight titles, while also occupying the position of WBO mandatory challenger and the number one spot in the WBA rankings.

Usyk is not the only major figure to express admiration for Itauma’s ability. Fury, who sparred with the youngster in 2024, previously described him as the future of the heavyweight division in a post shared on Instagram.

Veteran promoter Frank Warren has also spoken highly of Itauma, calling him the most talented young heavyweight he has seen at such an early stage of his career, while stressing the importance of carefully managing expectations surrounding the fast-rising prospect.

Itauma is expected to headline a boxing event at the O2 Arena in London on August 8, with discussions reportedly ongoing over a potential showdown against Filip Hrgovic, who recently stopped Dave Allen inside three rounds.