With fight week underway, 20-year-old heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma says a future shot at undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk is firmly on his radar, just not at the expense of Saturday’s task in Saudi Arabia against seasoned contender Dillian Whyte. Usyk, imperious after a second win over Daniel Dubois and having already twice defeated Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, is the division’s summit. Itauma thinks their paths could cross in 2026.
“One day, I think so,” Itauma told Sky Sports of a Usyk fight. “If I’m able to beat Dillian Whyte in good fashion, I’m already ranked No. 1 by the WBO… I do feel like Joseph Parker/Agit Kabayel deserve the opportunity to fight for the belts, but you don’t get what you deserve… you get what you negotiate.” It’s a candid read of heavyweight politics from a 20-year-old who’s moving fast.
Watch Whyte vs. Itauma face-off: Watch
First comes Whyte - battle-tested, battle-hardened, and a benchmark for where Itauma truly is. “Dillian’s a big name, good opposition, and it’s for me to go in there and do the job,” he said. “If I box to a gameplan, it shouldn’t be a long night.” It’s also Itauma’s first headline show, in Saudi, at 20 - pressure he welcomes: “I acknowledge it but I don’t feel it… that does you no favors.”
Beat Whyte decisively and Itauma strengthens both his ranking claim and his negotiating hand. Talk of Usyk can wait; the proving ground arrives on Saturday.
Image Credit: Sky Sports