Moses Itauma is just 20 years old, with only 12 professional fights behind him, but already he is close to challenging for a world heavyweight title.
The brilliant British phenom has looked absolutely incredible in demolishing everybody put in front of him so far – 10 of his victories have come inside the first two rounds.
On Saturday night in Riyadh he faces a considerable step up in class when he faces former world title challenger Dillian Whyte (31-3) in a fascinating showdown (live on DAZN PPV).
Whyte may be 37 years old now, and relatively inactive since that shattering loss to Tyson Fury at Wembley three years ago. But he is in serious shape for this one and presents a major threat to Itauma’s ambitions.
While Itauma is not looking past Dillian, he does acknowledge that at some stage soon – if he continues winning – the current king of the division will be in his sights.
Itauma vs Usyk – the latest
Only recently it was Saudi power broker Turki Alalshikh saying Usyk vs Itauma is THE FIGHT right now, after Usyk had flatted Daniel Dubois in their unification showdown at Wembley.
While that might seem a reach – a three-time undisputed champion over two weight classes vs a relative novice – Itauma is quite simply that good.
The youngster from the UK possesses devastating speed, incredible power and also a ring IQ and savvy that is way beyond his tender years.
This week Usyk was asked about a potential showdown vs Usyk, and he feels he will be in position for that in 2026. IF he overcomes Whyte on Saturday night.
He told Sky Sports: “I think so. Obviously, if I’m, if I’m able to, if I’m able to beat Dyllian Whyte in a good fashion, erm, and I’m already, obviously, rank No. 1 with the WBO, and I… but honestly, I do feel like Joseph Parker slash Agit Kabayel do deserve, do deserve the opportunity to fight for them belts, but… you don’t get what you deserve nowadays, do you?
“You get what you get, negotiate. So I do feel like I’ll be in a position where I would be able to fight him.”
Heavyweight landscape
When talking about Parker and Kabyel, Itauma was obviously referring to the complicated political landscape that is boxing’s heavyweight division.
Parker is the mandatory challenger for the WBO title (Itauma is ranked number 1 right below him) and the body has ordered Usyk to fight the Kiwi. The Saudis though appear uninterested in making that fight.
Kabayel meanwhile is the mandatory contender for the WBC title – which of course is also held by the undisputed king Usyk.
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