Moses Itauma Called Out by Ex-Heavyweight Champion Who Fought Anthony Joshua

Moses Itauma, Britain’s heavyweight sensation, continues to dominate headlines in the boxing world. At only 20 years of age, the young fighter has already made waves in the professional ranks. His emphatic first-round knockout of former world title challenger Dillian Whyte last month sent shockwaves through the heavyweight division and cemented his reputation as one of the brightest talents in British boxing.

With a December return to the ring on the horizon, Itauma is now in the process of identifying his next opponent. Among the names to emerge is Charles Martin, a former heavyweight champion best known for his short reign in 2016 and his defeat to Anthony Joshua at the O2 Arena. Martin has recently gone public with his interest in fighting Itauma, sparking fresh debates about the direction of the British youngster’s career.

Charles Martin Issues a Direct Challenge

At 39 years old, Charles Martin is a veteran of the sport who once held the IBF heavyweight title. Speaking in a recent interview, Martin expressed a strong desire to face Itauma in the UK.

“I’m trying to get over to the UK, you know what I mean, like Moses Itauma—he’s a really good fighter, man. He’s a really good up-and-coming guy,” Martin told BoxNation.

“I would love to get that fight, I want that fight, I need that fight. If you can hear me bro, I know you’re a youngster, but let’s get it on, let’s bang, let’s do this.”

This callout highlights Martin’s eagerness to step back onto the big stage while also providing Itauma with another high-profile option as he looks to build on his growing reputation.

Martin’s Brief Title Reign and Notable Career Moments

Charles Martin claimed the IBF heavyweight belt in January 2016 but his reign lasted just 85 days, the second shortest in heavyweight history. His defense came against Britain’s Anthony Joshua, who stopped him in two rounds at London’s O2 Arena, announcing Joshua as a global superstar.

Martin’s professional record currently stands at 30 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw with 27 knockouts. Since the defeat to Joshua, he has struggled for consistency, suffering three more defeats and failing to establish himself once again among the heavyweight elite.

His last fight was in November 2023, when he stopped Matthew McKinney in one round. Despite the win, Martin has not faced top-tier competition in recent years and is not currently ranked by any of the four major governing bodies, which presents a potential obstacle to him securing a fight with Itauma.

Itauma’s Meteoric Rise

Moses Itauma’s career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Turning professional with immense hype, he quickly began racking up wins with his speed, power, and technical skills. His victory over Dillian Whyte, a seasoned contender and former title challenger, was the defining moment of his young career so far.

By dispatching Whyte in such decisive fashion, Itauma sent a clear message to the heavyweight division: he is not just a prospect, but a potential future champion. At only 20, Itauma has time on his side, yet his team, led by veteran promoter Frank Warren, appears determined to accelerate his path toward world-level contention.

The Promoter’s Perspective: Top 10 Opponent or Bust

Frank Warren, one of the most respected promoters in world boxing, has been clear about the kind of fights he wants for Itauma moving forward. According to Warren, the aim is to match Itauma against a top 10 ranked opponent, ensuring that every step taken from here advances his credibility in the global rankings.

This stance likely rules out Charles Martin for now, given that he is not ranked by the WBC, WBA, IBF, or WBO. Still, Martin’s name recognition and past experience against Anthony Joshua could make him an attractive option if higher-ranked opponents prove difficult to secure.

Other Potential Opponents for Itauma

While Martin’s callout has generated buzz, other names remain in contention for Itauma’s December bout.

Filip Hrgovic

Initially viewed as the frontrunner, Filip Hrgovic appeared to be the most likely opponent for Itauma. However, reports suggest that financial disagreements have priced Hrgovic out of the potential fight. His withdrawal opens the door to other contenders.

Jermaine Franklin

Another name linked to Itauma is Jermaine Franklin, an American heavyweight who has previously shared the ring with Anthony Joshua. Franklin recently scored a unanimous decision victory over Ivan Dychko, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist, on the undercard of Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez. His form and credibility as a recent Joshua opponent make him a serious candidate for Itauma’s December showdown.

What a Fight with Charles Martin Would Mean

If Itauma were to accept Martin’s challenge, the fight would likely serve as a learning experience against a seasoned veteran rather than a step toward world title contention.

• Pros for Itauma:

  • Facing a former champion enhances his profile.

  • Provides valuable rounds against an experienced southpaw.

  • Adds another notable name to his résumé.

• Cons for Itauma:

  • Martin’s lack of a ranking diminishes the fight’s impact on title aspirations.

  • Critics may view it as a step backward after the Whyte win.

Ultimately, while Martin offers name value, the focus for Itauma may remain on opponents who can boost his standing in the world rankings.

The Bigger Picture: Itauma’s Path to a World Title

The heavyweight division is currently one of boxing’s most stacked and intriguing. With stars like Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua still commanding global attention, Itauma’s rise adds fresh intrigue to the future of the sport.

The pathway to a world title fight will likely require Itauma to beat multiple ranked opponents, climb the governing body standings, and continue to sharpen his skills. A fight against Jermaine Franklin or another top-15 opponent could move him one step closer to that ultimate goal.

Conclusion: A Crossroads for Moses Itauma

The callout from Charles Martin highlights just how quickly Moses Itauma’s name is rising within the heavyweight landscape. At 20 years old, Itauma now faces the challenge of carefully balancing high-profile fights with the need for career development and rankings progression.

Martin’s history with Anthony Joshua and his status as a former champion add intrigue, but promoter Frank Warren’s focus on a top-10 opponent suggests Itauma’s next fight may lie elsewhere. Whether it is Jermaine Franklin, Filip Hrgovic, or another contender, Itauma’s December return promises to be a significant chapter in his journey toward the top.

One thing is certain: after dismantling Dillian Whyte, Moses Itauma has arrived as a genuine force in the heavyweight division. The world will be watching closely to see who dares to step into the ring with him next.