Oleksandr Usyk’s Team Sets Condition for Moses Itauma’s Title Shot
Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion, has set a clear condition for British-Nigerian prospect Moses Itauma to earn a shot at the world title. According to Sergey Lapin, director of Usyk’s team, Itauma must first face Fabio Wardley to determine who will challenge for the world title next.
Lapin, speaking to Pro Boxing Fans, emphasized that a fight between Itauma and Wardley would serve as an “ultimate eliminator.” He expressed excitement about the potential matchup, calling it a “truly exciting fight and a serious test for both before facing the big boss of boxing.”
This development could signal that Usyk may be planning to vacate the WBO belt. Wardley is currently the mandatory challenger after defeating Joseph Parker in the 11th round of their heavyweight showdown at the O2 Arena last month, extending his record to 20-0-1.
At just 20 years old, Itauma is considered one of the most promising rising stars in boxing. He has maintained an unbeaten record of 13-0, with 11 knockouts. His most recent victory came against Dillian Whyte, whom he stopped in the first round, marking the biggest win of his career so far.
Following this win, Itauma expressed confidence in his readiness to face Usyk, who has defeated notable fighters such as Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois in recent years.
However, a fight between Itauma and Wardley seems unlikely due to both fighters being part of the same stable under trainer Ben Davison. This situation may require an alternative method to decide who faces Usyk next.
Delayed Return and Mandatory Fight Negotiations
Itauma’s return to the ring has been delayed beyond the originally planned December date. His promoter, Frank Warren, confirmed that the Kent native will likely wait until 2026 for his next bout.
Warren made the announcement during a press conference, explaining that the delay is linked to ongoing negotiations over a mandatory fight with WBA Regular heavyweight champion Kubrat Pulev. He stated:
“We’ve got to see what happens with this Pulev situation because the WBA ordered that fight, and (Pulev) can’t get out of it. We’ll see where we go with it.”
Itauma was expected to compete on December 13 at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena, sharing the card with Derek Chisora’s planned retirement fight. However, these plans have been postponed.
The Road Ahead for Moses Itauma
Despite the setback, Itauma remains a highly anticipated figure in the boxing world. His rapid rise and impressive performances have earned him recognition as a future star. With the right opportunities, he could soon find himself in a position to challenge for a world title.
The upcoming developments involving Wardley, Pulev, and the WBO’s mandatory requirements will play a crucial role in shaping the path forward for both Itauma and the heavyweight division as a whole.
As fans await further updates, the boxing community continues to watch closely, eager to see how these high-stakes negotiations unfold and what they mean for the future of the sport.