Oleksandr Usyk vs Moses Itauma — Why Experts Warn This Fight Could Draw Huge Crowds

When boxing fans around the world dream about heavyweight clashes that could define an era, the name Oleksandr Usyk inevitably comes up. The Ukrainian superstar, undisputed heavyweight champion, is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted fighters of his generation. On the other side stands Moses Itauma, the young British powerhouse who has been dubbed the “new Mike Tyson” by some pundits. A matchup between Usyk vs Itauma would electrify arenas, attract millions of viewers, and generate global headlines.

But while the fantasy of this bout is exciting, experts are waving what they call a “Red Alert.” Former champions like Amir Khan and Lennox Lewis have voiced caution, warning that pushing Moses Itauma into a fight with Oleksandr Usyk too soon could be disastrous for the young star’s career. This article dives deep into the backgrounds of both fighters, the stylistic dynamics of such a showdown, and why the boxing world is divided between anticipation and concern.

Oleksandr Usyk – The Master of Heavyweight Chess

Oleksandr Usyk, hailing from Ukraine, has already cemented his name in boxing history. From dominating the cruiserweight division—where he became undisputed champion—to moving up and dethroning Anthony Joshua in London, Usyk has proved that skill and IQ can trump raw size and power.

His resume includes victories over elite names: Mairis Briedis, Tony Bellew, and of course Anthony Joshua, whom he beat twice with technical brilliance. Usyk’s style is built on lateral movement, impeccable footwork, and angles that confuse opponents. His ability to read the rhythm of a fight and adapt mid-bout makes him one of the hardest puzzles in modern boxing.

At 37 years old, Usyk has not slowed down. In 2024, he achieved the near-impossible: unifying all major heavyweight belts and becoming undisputed champion. With victories against Tyson Fury and other top contenders, Usyk has nothing left to prove. Yet, he remains active, defending his legacy against all challengers.

Moses Itauma – The Young Phenom of British Boxing

Born in Kent, England, Moses Itauma represents the future of heavyweight boxing. Barely 20 years old, he already has a professional record that is turning heads. Known for his explosive speed, compact punching technique, and fearless aggression, Itauma’s style has drawn inevitable comparisons to a young Mike Tyson.

In 2025, Itauma delivered a statement win against Dillian Whyte, stopping the veteran and propelling himself into the top rankings of the WBO and WBA. Currently ranked No.1 in both organizations, Itauma is now officially in line for a title shot. The hype is undeniable: fans love his charisma, promoters see dollar signs, and the British media has dubbed him “boxing’s next big superstar.”

Yet, behind the excitement lies the concern: is Itauma truly ready to face a technician like Usyk? Or is the risk of pushing him too early greater than the reward?

Amir Khan’s Red Alert

Former light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan has been one of the loudest voices warning against rushing Itauma into the deep end. In an interview, Khan emphasized that while Itauma has the tools, the psychological readiness and experience are still missing.

Khan reflected on his own career: winning the Commonwealth title as a teenager and then jumping into world-level fights before he was mentally ready. “When you take a fight too soon, it can break you,” Khan said. “If Itauma fights Usyk now and loses badly, it could destroy his confidence forever.”

This is the essence of the “red alert” — a reminder that boxing careers are marathons, not sprints.

Lennox Lewis Weighs In – Wait Until Usyk Retires

Another legend, Lennox Lewis, arguably Britain’s greatest heavyweight, has offered his perspective. Lewis, known for his calculated and strategic career moves, advised Moses Itauma to hold off on challenging Usyk.

According to Lewis, the smart move is to let Usyk finish his career—retirement is not far away given his age—and then step in to take over the throne. This path would allow Itauma to build experience against top-10 opponents like Filip Hrgovic, Jermaine Franklin, or even Joseph Parker before reaching the summit.

Lewis’s advice echoes a long-standing principle in boxing: timing is everything. Sometimes, waiting just two or three years can mean the difference between greatness and heartbreak.

Roy Jones Jr. and David Haye – A Different Angle

Not all legends are cautious. Roy Jones Jr., one of the most electrifying fighters of all time, has been impressed by Itauma’s ferocity. Jones has compared Itauma to a young Mike Tyson, citing his ability to close distance, throw compact hooks, and intimidate opponents.

Similarly, David Haye believes Itauma might actually be the first man capable of dethroning Usyk. Haye argues that youth and raw power could expose Usyk’s aging body, especially if the Ukrainian has even slightly declined from his peak.

These contrasting opinions highlight the boxing world’s division: on one side, the cautious realists, and on the other, the thrill-seekers who want to see greatness challenged immediately.

Styles Make Fights – Usyk vs Itauma Breakdown

Boxing fans love the saying: “styles make fights.” The clash between Usyk and Itauma represents one of the most intriguing style matchups imaginable.

• Usyk’s Style: Southpaw stance, constant footwork, angles, and adaptability. He neutralizes aggression with ring IQ.

• Itauma’s Style: Explosive power, relentless pressure, and youthful energy. He overwhelms opponents with volume and intensity.

The big question: Can Itauma’s pressure break through Usyk’s defensive mastery, or will Usyk’s experience make the young star look ordinary?

Experts argue that at this stage, Usyk’s skills would likely neutralize Itauma. But in a few years, with more experience under his belt, the fight could be much closer.

The WBO and WBA Factor

One of the key reasons this matchup is even on the table is the politics of boxing rankings. After defeating Dillian Whyte, Moses Itauma rose to No.1 in both the WBO and WBA heavyweight rankings. That means he is officially a mandatory challenger in waiting.

For the organizations, having a young, marketable star like Itauma fight for the belts is a dream scenario. It promises ticket sales, global streaming subscriptions, and mainstream media attention. For promoters, the financial temptation to make Usyk vs Itauma as soon as possible is enormous.

But boxing history is filled with cautionary tales where money overrode timing — and careers suffered as a result.

Lessons from History – Rushed Stars and Broken Careers

Boxing has seen this story before. From Fernando Vargas, who fought Felix Trinidad too early, to Adrien Broner, who was pushed as the “next Mayweather” before truly mastering his craft, the risks of rushing are clear.

Even legends like Mike Tyson himself faced setbacks when management decisions prioritized spectacle over long-term growth. These examples underline why so many boxing veterans are urging patience for Moses Itauma.

The comparison to history shows that while talent can accelerate opportunity, wisdom and timing ultimately decide greatness.

The Psychological Battle

Beyond the physical fight, there’s the mental war. Facing Oleksandr Usyk is not just about surviving punches; it’s about solving a puzzle that has baffled world-class fighters. Usyk frustrates opponents, drains their confidence, and forces them to fight at his rhythm.

For a young fighter like Moses Itauma, the danger lies in losing more than just a match. A one-sided defeat could scar his confidence, alter his fighting style, and slow his development. Many believe Itauma must first build psychological resilience by facing seasoned veterans before entering the lion’s den with Usyk.

Fan Reactions and Media Hype

Despite the warnings, fans are buzzing. Social media is filled with posts envisioning Usyk vs Itauma as the ultimate generational clash. British boxing fans are eager to see their rising star tested against the best, while Ukrainian supporters believe Usyk would school the youngster.

The media narrative adds fuel: “the master vs the apprentice,” “the lion vs the cub,” and “the old king vs the new challenger.” For promoters, this storyline is gold. For trainers and cautious experts, it’s a potential disaster.

What Should Happen Next for Moses Itauma?

So what’s the right move? Most experts suggest a gradual path:

• Take on fighters like Filip Hrgovic, Jermaine Franklin, or Zhilei Zhang.

• Build experience against different styles: counterpunchers, movers, and veterans.

• Gain seasoning over the next 2–3 years before targeting legends like Usyk.

This approach would ensure that when the fight finally comes, it’s not just a “dream fight” — it’s a competitive clash of equals.

The Bigger Picture – Boxing’s Eternal Dilemma

The debate over Usyk vs Itauma encapsulates boxing’s eternal dilemma: should the sport chase instant excitement or protect its rising stars? The business side always leans toward fast money, but the sporting side values legacy and development.

If handled carefully, Moses Itauma could become the face of heavyweight boxing for the next decade. If rushed, he risks becoming another “what if” story. For Oleksandr Usyk, his legacy is already secure, but the choice of opponents in the twilight of his career will shape how future generations remember him.

Conclusion: A Fight for the Future

The idea of Oleksandr Usyk vs Moses Itauma is intoxicating: a master technician against a young powerhouse, experience versus youth, wisdom against hunger. Yet the warnings from legends like Amir Khan and Lennox Lewis cannot be ignored. The “Red Alert” is real: this fight, if made too soon, could damage more than it builds.

Still, the matchup remains one of boxing’s most intriguing possibilities. Whether it happens in 2025 or years later, fans will watch closely. In the end, this fight is not just about belts or rankings — it’s about the passing of the torch, the clash of generations, and the story that defines boxing’s eternal drama.