Moses Itauma opens door to summer fight with feared unbeaten talent after Jermaine Franklin

Moses Itauma has suggested he’d be open to fighting Agit Kabayel and even on German soil.

Itauma is set to return to the ring this Saturday in a stern test of his stellar reputation against Jermaine Franklin in Manchester.

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The 21-year-old is on the cusp of challenging for world glory but is looking for tougher examinations before making the leap into the division’s big time.

If he can come through the rugged Franklin, he will likely look to best position himself to challenge before the end of 2026.

He is currently ranked at No.1 with the WBO and WBA, and could adopt any route he chooses.

One route he could take would be to try and thrust his name into a clash with WBC no.1 ranked Kabayel.

And the Chatham native has surprisingly suggested he would be ready for that huge fight as soon as this summer.

He told The Ring: “Me and Kabayel in the summer.

“I don’t mind. I love Germany as well, so I don’t mind going to Germany and fighting him.“

Kabayel is viewed by many as the heavyweight division’s boogeyman , as he holds the WBC interim title.

He is expected to prioritise an enforcement of his mandatory challenge to current full title holder Oleksandr Usyk.

And the German operator will take confidence in the fact that the Ukrainian has suggested he wouldn’t rule out a future clash.

When can Moses Itauma challenge for the world title?

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It has been revealed to talkSPORT by multiple members of his team that they are hoping to enforce a challenge by the end of 2026.

Usyk currently holds three of the titles with Itauma’s stablemate Fabio Wardley holding the WBO crown.

And fights with either boxer seem unlikely at this stage with Usyk not interested in facing the young prodigy.

For now it is all about timing for Itauma, who is likely to first petition to face the winner of Richard Torrez Jr and Frank Sanchez’s IBF final eliminator.

Boxing schedule

For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s  boxing schedule.