Oleksandr Usyk has identified Moses Itauma as the future of the heavyweight division, overlooking British stars Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois. The Ukrainian champion, who has defeated all three, told talkSPORT: 'Moses Itauma, I think is a great fighter. Young. 20 years old. I think Itauma has a big future.'
The 21-year-old Itauma, born in Slovakia and based in Kent, holds a perfect 14-0 record and currently possesses the WBA International and WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight titles. His most recent victory came in March 2026 when he knocked out Jermaine Franklin at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.
Usyk, 39, has stated he has three fights remaining before retirement. He faces kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Egypt on Saturday. The Ukrainian has been impressed by Itauma's potential to become the next undisputed heavyweight champion.
Tyson Fury also endorsed Itauma after sparring him in 2024, writing on Instagram: '@m.itauma is the future of the heavyweight division.' Itauma had previously expressed his ambition to break Mike Tyson's record as the youngest heavyweight champion, telling The Mirror: 'I want to become the youngest heavyweight world champion since Mike Tyson who was 20 years old.'
Promoter Frank Warren has tempered expectations but believes Itauma could fight for a world title later this year. Speaking to DAZN in March, Warren said: 'At his age, he is without a doubt the most talented and the best I've seen at this moment in time.'
