Is Itauma Ready For Usyk?

Frank Warren says that if Moses Itauma beats Jermaine Franklin on Saturday the path to unified champion Oleksandr Usyk could open sooner than expected.

Itauma, just 21 years old, is set to headline Warren’s “Magnificent 7” card in Manchester. Standing in his way is the durable Franklin, a man who has never been stopped in 26 professional fights. Warren believes Itauma is a “generational talent” who is already ready for the elite boxers. Warren points to Itauma’s 2025 campaign, which included a first-round knockout of Dillian Whyte. If Itauma does something similar to Franklin, then Warren believes he is ready for the best. 

“After this fight, Moses is fighting against Usyk. We would be sold out like that, it would do massive, massive numbers. The WBC is the next one. If he doesn’t fight him, then he’s going to have to vacate it. If he does come through… that’ll determine whether he fights for the world title this year,” Warren said

The Reality

However, the chances of securing that fight are slim. Usyk has outlined his three-fight plan which includes Rico Van Van Hooven, the winner of Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois and a trilogy with Tyson Fury. Agit Kabayel has also been mentioned as an alternative to Fury, meaning the Ukrainian has plenty of options.

Facing someone like Itauma does not make sense, given Usyk has nothing to prove. At the same time, Itauma also risks taking this fight too early. And with Usyk edging closer to retirement, Itauma could well benefit by avoiding him and taking over the division once the Ukrainian retires.