Moses Itauma, the rising star of the boxing world, is set to make waves in the sport with his upcoming fights. With a knockout victory over Jermaine Franklin in March, Itauma has solidified his status as a champion-in-waiting and a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division. Promoter Frank Warren has big plans for the young boxer, aiming to secure a world title before the end of the year. The first step in this ambitious journey is a highly anticipated showdown at the O2 Arena on August 8th, where Itauma will headline for the first time. This fight, against an unnamed opponent, was initially scheduled for a different date but was postponed due to a clash with Anthony Joshua's bout.
Warren's vision for Itauma's future includes a US debut, which will take place in November or December of this year. This move is a strategic step towards establishing Itauma as a global superstar, with Warren emphasizing the importance of a big fight to announce his arrival in the United States. The promoter's confidence in Itauma's potential is evident, as he aims to secure a world title for the young boxer by the end of the year.
The WBA Regular champion, Murat Gassiev, has been linked to a potential showdown with Itauma, and his presence in the division presents a clear path to a world title. Should Oleksandr Usyk vacate or be stripped of his super belt, Gassiev could be the stepping stone to Itauma's ultimate goal. However, the path to the top is not without challenges, as New York's Jarrell Miller, currently ranked WBA #2, could be a formidable opponent for Itauma's final bout of 2026.
Itauma's ranking in the WBO, WBA, IBF, and WBC further solidifies his status as a top contender. The WBO's upcoming decision to name Itauma as a mandatory challenger adds another layer of excitement to his journey. With the potential to face the winner of the Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois bout, Itauma's future looks bright, and the boxing world eagerly awaits his next move. As Warren continues to shape Itauma's career, the young boxer is poised to become a household name, captivating fans worldwide with his talent and determination.