Moses Itauma is set to fight for the heavyweight world title before his 22nd birthday.
Itauma turns 22 on December 28th of this year and should be fighting for a world championship by then.
The young Englishman is highly ranked by both the WBO and WBC, so he could be put in a position to challenge for one of the championship belts.
Oleksandr Usyk will need mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel by his side if he wants to retain his WBC titlist status. However, if he decides to rematch Rico Verhoeven instead, it would open the way for Itauma to that title.
First he has to win his match against Filip Hrgovic at London’s O2 Stadium on August 29th.
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Moses Itauma’s promoter Frank Warren has suggested that his fighter could face Oleksandr Usyk next if he wins against Filip Hrgovic.
“If Usyk gives up the title instead of fighting Kabayel, I wouldn’t mind beating Hrgovic and fighting Kabayel,” Itauma said. sky sports.
“It’s God’s timing. It might not be this year, but it might be next year.”
The WBO Championship is held by Daniel Dubois and Itauma expects to meet the Londoner in an all-British heavyweight clash in 2027.
“I think that could happen next year,” he said. “Wouldn’t that be great?”
The fight with Hrgovic puts the rising star into world-class competition.
Itauma said, reflecting on the weight of expectations already placed on him. “I don’t deal with pressure. I let pressure handle me. That’s not what I’m after. You always hear that pressure makes diamonds, and it’s true.”
He added about his next opponent: “He’s got the chin, he’s durable, he can hit. He’s got the IQ. His weaknesses… he has none, he’s the perfect fighter. So if I win, I’ll be even better.”
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Olympic gold medalist Audley Harrison has urged exciting prospect Moses Itauma not to enter his world title fight with Daniel Dubois.
Hrgovic did not have much praise for his 21-year-old rival. He predicted he would win by knockout. “Seven Hrgović, that’s what I think of Moses Itauma,” said the Croatian. sky sports.
“A great fight with a young, up-and-coming Lion who impressed everyone but me. Maybe he’s the next heavyweight, but you won’t believe it until you see his courage, chin, determination and perseverance.”
Their promoter Frank Warren was adamant that a win over Hrgovic would get Itauma his next world title shot.
“He’s with an Olympic medalist in Hrgovic who has a ton of experience. He’s a tough guy, he’s never been knocked down, he’s (only) stopped by a cut and he’s definitely dangerous early in the fight. He gives people problems and beats people,” Warren said. sky sports.
“If (Itauma) wins, it’s a world title fight. He’s number one now. He can sit back and wait, but we want to keep him busy and gain experience and that’s what he wants.”
He thinks Itauma can win a major belt while he’s still only 21 years old.
“I hope that happens. I hope he fights for it this year,” Warren said. “We want to be able to get it done within the year.
“If the winner of the WBO (Dubois is scheduled to rematch Fabio Wardley) obviously they won’t be ready because they won’t be fighting until late fall.”
But Warren hinted, “Maybe it’s Usyk.”
