Oleksandr Usyk has declared undefeated prospect Moses Itauma as the future of the heavyweight division, snubbing British stars Daniel Dubois, Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. The Ukrainian champion, who has defeated all three in his last six bouts, believes the 21-year-old will be the next to claim his heavyweight belts.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Usyk said: "Moses Itauma, I think is a great fighter. Young. 20 years old. I think Itauma has a big future." The 39-year-old, who recently knocked out Dubois to retain his titles, has three fights remaining before retirement. He faces kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Egypt on Saturday, live on DAZN.
Itauma, born in Slovakia and based in Kent, boasts a perfect 14-0 record. He stopped Jermaine Franklin in March 2026 at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester and holds the WBA International and WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight titles. He previously sparred with Fury in 2024, who then called him "the future of the heavyweight division" on Instagram.
Itauma has openly targeted breaking Mike Tyson's record as the youngest heavyweight champion. He told The Mirror: "I want to become the youngest heavyweight world champion since Mike Tyson who was 20 years old." His promoter, Frank Warren, is cautious but confident, saying: "At his age, he is without a doubt the most talented and the best I've seen at this moment in time."
Usyk's clash with Verhoeven takes place at the Pyramids of Giza on May 23. The fight is available on DAZN PPV for £24.99, or included with DAZN Ultimate at £22.99 per month.
