Moses Itauma’s meteoric rise through the heavyweight boxing ranks has ignited fervent speculation about his potential to topple the division’s established giants. Former heavyweight champion David Haye’s audacious claim that the 20-year-old prospect already possesses the tools to defeat the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, barring the reigning undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk, has further fueled the debate. This bold assessment stems from Itauma’s resounding knockout victory over seasoned contender Dillian Whyte, a performance that reverberated through the boxing world and solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with. Haye’s conviction in Itauma’s abilities underscores the young fighter’s remarkable skillset and the profound impact he has made in such a short span of time.
Itauma’s relatively nascent career stands in stark contrast to the extensive experience of the heavyweight veterans he is being compared to. With just 13 professional fights under his belt, 11 of which ended in knockout victories, Itauma has embarked on a destructive streak, dispatching his last nine opponents within the first round. This impressive run includes notable triumphs over Demsey McKean and Mariusz Wach, showcasing his ability to dismantle both up-and-coming prospects and seasoned veterans with equal ferocity. This rapid ascent and devastating power have captured the attention of boxing pundits and fans alike, leading many to believe that Itauma is destined for greatness. His technical proficiency, combined with his knockout power, paints a picture of a fighter who possesses the rare combination of finesse and brute force necessary to dominate the heavyweight division.
While Itauma represents the new guard, the heavyweight landscape is still populated by familiar figures. Tyson Fury, a two-time former champion, announced his retirement in January following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk in late 2024. These defeats mark the only blemishes on Fury’s otherwise illustrious record, which boasts victories over notable opponents such as Deontay Wilder and Wladimir Klitschko. Despite his retirement, the possibility of Fury returning to the ring remains a topic of ongoing discussion, particularly given the clamor for a highly anticipated clash with Anthony Joshua. However, a potential showdown with Itauma doesn’t appear to be on the immediate horizon, as the focus remains on a potential Fury-Joshua bout.
Anthony Joshua, another prominent figure in the heavyweight division, represents a challenging yet potentially lucrative matchup for Itauma. A clash between these two British fighters would undoubtedly generate immense interest and further elevate Itauma’s profile. However, given Joshua’s experience and standing in the division, such a fight would likely be positioned as a significant step up for the young prospect, providing a crucial test of his abilities against a seasoned competitor. The contrasting styles of both fighters, with Itauma’s speed and precision against Joshua’s power and experience, would make for a compelling contest.
Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion, stands as the most formidable obstacle in Itauma’s path. Haye’s assertion that Usyk is the only fighter capable of challenging Itauma underscores the Ukrainian’s exceptional skills and tactical acumen. Usyk’s recent victories over Tyson Fury have solidified his position at the pinnacle of the heavyweight division, and a potential clash with Itauma would represent a generational clash between an established champion and a rising star. Such a fight would not only determine the future of the heavyweight division but also serve as a litmus test for Itauma’s championship aspirations.
Itauma has made no secret of his ambition to fast-track his trajectory towards a world title shot. Following his victory over Whyte, he directly called out Usyk, a bold move that demonstrates his unwavering confidence and desire to face the best in the division. Usyk responded by acknowledging Itauma’s readiness for a step up in competition, although his team expressed reservations about the timing. Nevertheless, the exchange suggests that a future clash between these two fighters is a distinct possibility, potentially setting the stage for a thrilling encounter between two of the most exciting talents in the heavyweight division. The potential for such a high-stakes fight adds another layer of intrigue to the evolving narrative surrounding Itauma’s burgeoning career. Whether he faces Usyk, Joshua, or Fury, the young prospect’s journey to the top promises to be captivating and filled with high-octane action.
