Moses Itauma’s Path to Heavyweight Glory Hits Roadblocks as Usyk and Pulev Look Elsewhere

For Moses Itauma, the last few months have been a whirlwind of anticipation, negotiation, and frustration. The British heavyweight prodigy, just 20 years old and undefeated in 13 professional bouts, seemed on the verge of a career-defining fight. But as the boxing world pivots around established champions and shifting priorities, Itauma’s path to a world title shot has become more complicated than ever.

Usyk’s Retirement Reversal and Itauma’s Exclusion

The biggest headline from the heavyweight division this fall was Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to reverse his previously announced retirement plans. Usyk, the reigning undisputed champion, had suggested he would step away after one final fight, only to reveal he now intends to box until he’s 41, extending his career well into 2028 (Sky Sports, BBC Sport, Ring Magazine). Yet, for Moses Itauma, this new timeline did not open a door. Usyk was unequivocal when asked about a possible fight with the young Brit: “No, I won’t fight Itauma,” Usyk stated. “He’s young – always teasing me. And he said himself he doesn’t hit grandpas.”

With negotiations ongoing for Usyk’s next opponent, Itauma finds himself outside the immediate circle of contenders. The Ukrainian champion, currently sidelined by a back injury, is focused on recovery and has his sights set on other names for his targeted 2026 return. Itauma, meanwhile, continues to build his resume, most recently stopping Dillian Whyte in under two minutes to extend his unbeaten record.

Pulev Turns to Gassiev, Leaving Itauma Waiting

If the Usyk door was closed, the WBA ‘Regular’ title presented another opportunity. The World Boxing Association ordered Kubrat Pulev, the 44-year-old Bulgarian champion, to defend his belt against Itauma. For a brief moment, it seemed the bout might materialize, with both camps given 30 days to negotiate. But boxing politics rarely run smoothly. Pulev’s team announced that the WBA had authorized a voluntary defense instead, and quickly locked in a December showdown with Russia’s Murat Gassiev in Dubai (BBC Sport, TalkSport).

Pulev’s promoter, Ivaylo Gotzev, explained: “Despite recent noise, we have an official WBA resolution authorising Kubrat Pulev’s first title defense to be a voluntary, and in line with that, we’ve locked in a terrific opponent in Murat Gassiev.” The statement originally referenced Itauma’s potential place on the undercard, hinting at future opportunities, but later versions omitted his name entirely. Promoter Frank Warren, who represents Itauma, insisted to BBC Sport that “Pulev has to fight Moses next,” but for now, Pulev-Gassiev is the main event.

Itauma’s Uncertain Next Step

With both Usyk and Pulev otherwise engaged, Itauma’s immediate plans remain in limbo. The WBA’s order for Pulev to face Itauma appears to have been set aside, at least for this year, and negotiations for alternative bouts have proven challenging. Itauma has reportedly faced multiple rejections from other top heavyweights, including Jermaine Franklin and Filip Hrgovic. He himself declined an IBF eliminator against Frank Sanchez, preferring to wait for a bigger opportunity.

The situation highlights a broader challenge for young fighters trying to break through in a division dominated by established stars. With the top titles held by Usyk, and other contenders like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua locked in their own negotiations, Itauma’s rise is stymied not by lack of talent, but by the realities of boxing’s promotional and sanctioning bodies.

Who’s Next for Moses Itauma?

Despite the setbacks, Itauma’s team remains determined. Names like Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter, and David Adeleye have been floated as possible opponents. There’s also speculation that, should Pulev-Gassiev go ahead as planned, Itauma could face the winner, perhaps on the undercard or in a mandatory bout down the line. The sport’s governing bodies, however, have yet to clarify the mandatory status and the timeline for such a match.

For now, Itauma continues training, his ambition undimmed. In interviews, he has described a potential fight with Usyk as a “win-win,” acknowledging that even a loss to an all-time great at age 20 would be a valuable learning experience. But as Usyk’s plans shift and Pulev’s priorities change, Itauma must wait for his turn, hoping that opportunity will knock soon.

Meanwhile, the heavyweight division remains as unpredictable as ever. Usyk’s return in 2026 will attract global attention, and the Dubai card featuring Pulev and Gassiev adds an international dimension to the chase for titles. Itauma, with his explosive style and undefeated record, is watched closely by fans and promoters alike, a reminder that in boxing, the next big star can emerge at any moment – if the right fight comes along.

Analysis: Moses Itauma’s current predicament is a stark illustration of how boxing’s intricate networks of champions, promoters, and sanctioning bodies can delay even the most promising talent’s ascent. Despite impressive performances and a clear hunger for bigger challenges, Itauma is forced to navigate not just his rivals but the shifting priorities of the sport’s power brokers. His patience and persistence in the coming months will be crucial, as opportunities may arrive just as swiftly as they disappear in the volatile world of heavyweight boxing.