Frank Warren: Usyk vs. Itauma Could Be Boxing’s Next Mega Fight

MANCHESTER, England — A new heavyweight star is emerging, and one of boxing’s most influential promoters believes the moment for a blockbuster clash may already be here.

Following Moses Itauma’s dominant fifth-round stoppage of Jermaine Franklin at Co-op Live Arena, veteran promoter Frank Warren suggested that a fight between Itauma and unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk could quickly become one of the biggest events in the sport.

Itauma (14-0, 12 KOs), just 21 years old, passed what was widely viewed as the toughest test of his young career. Headlining in the United Kingdom for the first time, the rising heavyweight controlled the action from the opening bell before stopping Jermaine Franklin in the fifth round. The performance further cemented his reputation as one of the most dangerous prospects in boxing.

Usyk’s Current Path

Meanwhile, Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) remains at the top of the heavyweight division, holding multiple world titles and The Ring championship. The 39-year-old is preparing for a high-profile bout against Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Egypt, staged near the Great Pyramids of Giza. However, beyond that event, Usyk faces a growing list of contenders awaiting title opportunities.

Despite Itauma’s rise, Usyk has previously indicated reluctance to face the young contender at this stage, suggesting he does not want to “break” a fighter still early in his development.