Joseph Parker Could Face Moses Ituma If Usyk Bout Is Canceled

The heavyweight boxing scene could be in for another major shake-up as Joseph Parker’s highly anticipated fight against Oleksandr Usyk hangs in the balance. With the WBO’s 30-day negotiation window coming to a close and no concrete progress between the two camps, rising star Moses Itauma has emerged as the leading candidate to step into the ring with Parker should Usyk decide to vacate his title.

The potential change in opponent comes amid uncertainty surrounding Usyk’s willingness—and physical readiness—to fulfill his mandatory defense obligation. For Parker, the opportunity to fight Itauma may not carry the same prestige as facing Usyk, but it would still represent a high-stakes battle in the heavyweight division with a world title possibly on the line.

The Road to the Current Situation

In July 2025, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) issued an official notice to both Usyk and Parker, ordering them to begin negotiations for a mandatory title fight. This directive followed Usyk’s emphatic victory over Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, where the Ukrainian knocked out his opponent in just five rounds to reclaim all four major heavyweight belts for the second time in his career.

For Parker, who has been steadily climbing back into the heavyweight elite after a few years of mixed results, the chance to face Usyk was seen as a golden ticket to reclaim world champion status. However, the clock has been ticking since July 24, 2025, when the WBO began the 30-day countdown for a deal to be reached. If no agreement is finalized, the governing body has the authority to strip Usyk of the belt or order an alternative fight for Parker.

Usyk’s Injury and the Extension Request

Adding to the uncertainty, Usyk’s team recently submitted a formal request for an extension on negotiations due to an injury sustained by the champion. While the nature and severity of the injury have not been publicly disclosed, the delay raises the possibility that Usyk may opt to vacate the belt rather than postpone his schedule for too long.

For the WBO, the rules are clear: either the champion defends his title within the mandated timeframe, or the belt becomes vacant. That’s where Moses Itauma comes into the picture.

Moses Itauma – The Rising Heavyweight Contender

At just 20 years old, Moses Itauma has been making waves in the heavyweight division. Known for his combination of power, speed, and composure beyond his years, Itauma has quickly climbed to the No. 2 spot in the WBO rankings. He is currently preparing for a showdown against Dillian Whyte in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—a fight that could significantly boost his stock even further.

If Usyk vacates the WBO belt, Parker, as the interim champion, would likely face the highest available contender for the vacant title. Given Itauma’s ranking and current momentum, he would be the logical choice.

Parker’s promoter, David Higgins, has already signaled that Itauma is at the top of their shortlist. “I think Joseph Parker will fight Moses Itauma. It’s just a matter of time,” Higgins told Sky Sports. “If the Usyk fight doesn’t happen, Moses is the next logical opponent.”

The Appeal of Parker vs. Itauma

While Parker vs. Usyk would have been a clash between two of the most technically skilled heavyweights in the sport, a Parker vs. Itauma matchup offers a different kind of intrigue. It would pit the experience and tactical nous of a former world champion against the hunger and explosiveness of a young contender eager to make history.

Parker’s reputation for durability, solid fundamentals, and composure in big fights would be tested against Itauma’s aggressive style and raw athleticism. For boxing fans, the matchup could serve as a classic “passing of the torch” scenario—or a reminder that experience still matters in the heavyweight ranks.

Parker’s Readiness to Face Anyone

Higgins has made it clear that Joseph Parker is ready for any challenge, regardless of the opponent’s name. Alongside Itauma, the camp has also mentioned Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Martin Bakole as potential opponents in the near future.

“Joseph Parker never doubts against anyone,” Higgins said. “Whether it’s Usyk, Wilder, Zhang, or Bakole, he’ll be ready. But in the immediate future, Moses Itauma makes the most sense if the Usyk fight can’t happen.”

Parker himself has repeatedly expressed a desire to fight the very best, including Usyk, whom he has called one of the most complete fighters in modern boxing. “I’d love to have the opportunity to challenge myself against the best in the world,” Parker said in a recent interview. “That’s why the Usyk fight was so appealing to me.”

Usyk’s Heavyweight Legacy

Oleksandr Usyk’s dominance across multiple divisions is well documented. Having previously been the undisputed cruiserweight champion, he moved up to heavyweight and dethroned Anthony Joshua before solidifying his legacy by defeating Tyson Fury in May 2024. That victory made him the first man in decades to hold all four major heavyweight titles simultaneously.

He later vacated the IBF belt to prioritize a rematch with Fury, which he won in December 2024. Now a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, Usyk stands as one of the most respected fighters of his generation. However, at 38 years old and with the physical toll of his career catching up, his willingness to engage in mandatory defenses is being questioned.

What Happens Next

The next few weeks will be critical. If Usyk recovers quickly and resumes negotiations, the boxing world could see a Parker vs. Usyk showdown later this year. If not, the WBO will almost certainly order Parker to fight Itauma for the vacant title.

For Itauma, this would be an unprecedented opportunity—a chance to become a world champion at just 20 years old, potentially faster than legends like Mike Tyson, who won his first heavyweight title at 20 years and 4 months. For Parker, it would be a chance to recapture a major belt and reinforce his position as a top-tier heavyweight.

Conclusion

The situation surrounding Joseph Parker, Oleksandr Usyk, and Moses Itauma encapsulates the unpredictability of professional boxing. Titles, timelines, and opponents can change overnight, and adaptability is key for fighters aiming to stay at the top.

While the ideal matchup for fans remains Parker vs. Usyk—a clash between two master technicians—the possibility of Parker vs. Itauma offers its own unique excitement. It’s a classic case of experience versus youth, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Whether Parker ends up facing the battle-hardened Usyk or the ambitious young Itauma, one thing is certain: the next chapter in his career will be pivotal, with the potential to shape the heavyweight landscape for years to come.