If he beats Dillian Whyte, Moses Itauma reveals the possibility of facing Oleksandr Usyk

Moses Itauma, one of the most talked-about young talents in heavyweight boxing, has finally broken his silence on whether he could face Oleksandr Usyk in the near future. The 20-year-old British prodigy is set for one of the biggest tests of his professional career this Saturday night, as he steps into the ring with former world champion Dillian Whyte at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The clash against Whyte marks a significant step up for Itauma, who has been fast-tracked through the heavyweight ranks since turning professional. Many boxing fans and pundits believe that a victory could catapult him into talks for a future bout with Usyk, widely regarded as the pound-for-pound number one in the sport. But is such a blockbuster fight realistic?

Itauma: “It’s Not Down to Me”

Speaking to The Stomping Ground ahead of fight week, Itauma expressed admiration for Oleksandr Usyk but also made it clear that matchmaking isn’t in his control.

“It’s not down to me,” Itauma explained. “Fights don’t happen because I want them to happen. Fights happen because my promotional team, my management, and fans — that’s what they want to happen. It’s not really down to me, to be honest.”

Itauma’s comments highlight the reality of professional boxing, where promotional politics, financial negotiations, and fan interest all play a role in making high-profile fights happen.

Despite his modesty, the idea of Itauma stepping into the ring with Usyk is one that excites the boxing community. Usyk, the current unified heavyweight champion and a former undisputed cruiserweight champion, has built a reputation as one of the most skilled and intelligent fighters of the modern era.

Robert Garcia’s Take: Usyk Should Retire on Top

While some believe a fight between Itauma and Usyk would be an intriguing clash of youth versus experience, not everyone is on board. Famed trainer Robert Garcia has publicly stated that he would like to see Usyk retire at the peak of his career.

Garcia’s reasoning is clear — the Ukrainian has already cemented his legacy by unifying titles in two weight divisions, defeating elite names such as Anthony Joshua, and establishing himself as a once-in-a-generation talent. Facing a young, hungry contender like Itauma could be a high-risk move, especially with Usyk in the latter stages of his career.

However, Usyk’s competitive nature is well-documented. The champion has never shied away from challenges, and if Itauma’s stock continues to rise, the match could become too tempting for either camp to ignore.

Itauma’s Meteoric Rise

Since turning professional, Moses Itauma has been on a tear through the heavyweight division. His blend of explosive power, speed, and ring IQ has drawn comparisons to some of the greats.

His professional debut was nothing short of spectacular. Facing an opponent with a winning record, Itauma needed just 23 seconds to secure a savage stoppage victory. That emphatic win sent shockwaves through the boxing world and instantly marked him as a future star.

From there, Itauma has continued to dismantle every opponent placed in front of him, showing composure beyond his years. However, stepping up against a battle-hardened veteran like Dillian Whyte represents a completely different kind of challenge.

Dillian Whyte: The Gatekeeper Test

Dillian Whyte is no stranger to the big stage. Having shared the ring with Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Alexander Povetkin, the 36-year-old brings experience, toughness, and a relentless fighting style that has tested even the division’s elite.

For Itauma, defeating Whyte would be more than just another win — it would be a statement. A convincing victory could prove that he’s ready to compete with the very best heavyweights in the world, including champions like Usyk.

However, Whyte will not be an easy obstacle. Known for his dangerous left hook and willingness to trade punches, he will look to use his veteran savvy to disrupt Itauma’s rhythm and push the young star into uncomfortable territory.

What a Usyk vs. Itauma Fight Could Mean

A fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Moses Itauma would be one of the most fascinating stylistic matchups in modern boxing. Usyk’s exceptional footwork, defensive mastery, and tactical genius would be tested against Itauma’s youthful aggression, power, and unrelenting pressure.

For Itauma, it would be the ultimate measuring stick — an opportunity to prove himself against the very best. For Usyk, it would be a chance to silence critics who question whether he can handle a young, dangerous challenger in his prime.

Boxing Politics and Timing

The biggest question isn’t about whether Itauma wants the fight — it’s about whether it can realistically be made. Boxing history is littered with “what if” matchups that never happened due to contractual disputes, promotional rivalries, and risk-versus-reward calculations.

With Usyk currently at the top of the sport and likely focused on legacy-defining bouts, any fight with Itauma would need to be both financially lucrative and in line with the Ukrainian’s long-term plans. That could mean Itauma would need to notch several more high-profile wins before Usyk’s team considers him a serious contender.

Itauma’s Focus: One Fight at a Time

Despite the growing hype, Itauma insists he’s not looking past Dillian Whyte. His camp has been fully focused on preparing for the veteran, with an emphasis on refining his defensive skills, improving his stamina, and staying composed under pressure.

“I take it one fight at a time,” Itauma has said in past interviews. “The rest will take care of itself if I keep winning.”

If he does get past Whyte in convincing fashion, the whispers about a clash with Usyk will only grow louder. But for now, the 20-year-old knows that every step in the heavyweight division must be earned.

Conclusion: The Future is Wide Open

Whether or not Moses Itauma faces Oleksandr Usyk in the near future, one thing is certain — the young heavyweight has already captured the imagination of boxing fans. His combination of raw talent, discipline, and charisma makes him a natural attraction in the sport.

If Itauma can continue to build momentum and maintain his unbeaten record, the doors to mega-fights will open — including a potential showdown with Usyk. But for now, all eyes are on Riyadh, where he will look to take the next big step in his career against Dillian Whyte.

The road to the top of the heavyweight division is long and treacherous, but Moses Itauma’s journey is only just beginning. And if his explosive debut was any indication, boxing fans may be witnessing the rise of the next global superstar.