Moses Itauma told talkSPORT that he anticipates not getting a chance to face Oleksandr Usyk before the legendary boxer retires.
The 21-year-old, who has a flawless 14-0 record with 12 knockouts, is poised to challenge for a world title.
Itauma became well-known throughout the world after defeating the Body Snatcher in the first round of their August 2025 competition in Saudi Arabia.
Then, in March, he became the first fighter to stop American opponent Franklin in the fifth round, sending shockwaves across the pond. Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte were unable to accomplish the same.
Itauma will take on a well-known opponent when he returns to the ring later this year, despite Tyson Fury surpassing him in the WBC rankings.
The hard-hitting Kent kid was ringside at the Co-op Live in Manchester to see the tough WBO world title match between fellow countrymen Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois. He was scheduled to put on gloves in London on August 8.
Former IBF king Dubois stopped defending champion Wardley in the eleventh round after referee Howard Foster intervened to put an end to the carnage. Wardley had down Dubois in the first and third rounds.
Itauma was asked if he thinks he will meet WBA, WBC, and IBF champion Usyk before the undefeated 39-year-old Ukrainian hangs up his gloves in an interview with talkSPORT’s Gareth A. Davies prior to the fight.
On May 23, Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight and cruiserweight world champion, will defend his WBC title against legendary kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in an attempt to increase his record to 25-0.
Speaking about the prospect of confronting “The Cat,” “I don’t think it would happen,” Itauma remarked.
“However, I would really like it to occur.”
Itauma said, “100 percent,” when asked if he would like to battle Usyk in what might be a passing-of-the-torch match.
“I would fight him if given the chance, but I just don’t think it will happen.”
“He has no justification for fighting me.”
Itauma is ranked first in the WBA and fifth in the IBF, while being third in the WBC rankings.
Itauma is now the top contender in the rankings, but his first attempt at a world title might be against Dubois, the recently crowned WBA champion.
However, following the fight on Saturday night, promoter Frank Warren disclosed that the contract has a rematch clause.
Itauma declared at ringside that he would be thrilled to fight Dubois, but talkSPORT’s boxing panel maintained that he is not yet at the level needed to defeat the Londoner.
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