British heavyweight star Moses Itauma declares world champion will refuse to fight him

Moses Itauma has told talkSPORT he expects to be denied a shot at Oleksandr Usyk before the boxing legend retires.

The unbeaten 21-year-old is on the cusp of a world title shot having racked up a perfect record of 14-0 – stopping 12 of his opponents.

Highlight reel knockouts in his last two bouts against Jermaine Franklin and Dillian Whyte have confirmed the British star’s reputation as being the most exciting heavyweight prospect.

Itauma gained worldwide recognition for blasting out the Body Snatcher in the opening round in their Saudi Arabia contest in August 2025.

He then made shock waves across the pond when he dispatched American foe Franklin in the fifth round in March – becoming the first fighter to ever KO him – something Anthony Joshua and Whyte both failed to do.

And while he has been leapfrogged in the WBC rankings by Tyson Fury, Itauma is set for a big name when he returns to the squared circle later this year.

Scheduled to lace up his gloves on August 8 in London, the hard-hitting Kent youngster was ringside at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester to watch the brutal WBO world title clash between compatriots Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois.

Defending champion Wardley dropped ex-IBF king Dubois in both the first and third round, but was ultimately stopped in the 11th round by DDD after referee Howard Foster jumped in to put an end to the bloodbath.

Speaking to talkSPORT’s Gareth A Davies ahead of the contest, Itauma was asked whether he believes he will battle WBA, WBC and IBF champ Usyk before the unbeaten 39-year-old Ukrainian hangs up his gloves.

Usyk – an undisputed world champion at both heavyweight and cruiserweight – is looking to go 25-0 when he defends his WBC belt against iconic kickboxer Rico Verhoeven on May 23.

Commenting on the possibility of ever facing The Cat, Itauma said: “I don’t think it would happen.

“But I would love it to happen.”

Getty

Getty

Asked whether he would want to fight Usyk in what could be a passing of the torch encounter, Itauma remarked: “100 per cent.

“If I get the opportunity, of course [I would fight him], but I just don’t think [it will happen].

“There’s no reason for him to [fight me].”

While Itauma is ranked in third spot in the WBC rankings, he is also number one with the WBA and number five with the IBF.

But his first crack at a world title could come against newly-crowned WBA champ Dubois, with Itauma number one in the rankings.

Though promoter Frank Warren revealed after Saturday night’s fight that there is a rematch clause in the contract.

PA

While Itauma stated ringside that he would jump at the chance to fight Dubois, talkSPORT’s Boxing panel insisted he is not yet at the level required to beat the Londoner.

Davies said: “I don’t think Moses is ready for Daniel Dubois. I don’t think they’re ready to put Moses in with Daniel Dubois.”

Former European champion Spencer Oliver agreed, as he said: “There’ll be a different route for Moses Itauma.”

Before adding: “We’ve got Moses Itauma and I’m hearing that [Bakhodir Jalolov] could be a fight because of what he brings to the table.

“It’s a sellable fight, a good fight for Moses. So let’s just see what happens, but not the winner of this one for Moses just yet.”