One Fighter Picked To Trouble Usyk

Tony Bellew has picked Moses Itauma as the only current heavyweight capable of troubling OIeksandr Usyk. 

Usyk, who knocked out Bellew to become undisputed cruiserweight champion, has since defeated Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois a combined six times. However, Bellew insists that the “next generation” has arrived in the form of Itauma. Itauma is currently the hottest prospect in the heavyweight division, recently clearing a massive hurdle on March 28, 2026, in Manchester.

Itauma became the first man to ever stop the durable Jermaine Franklin, scoring a devastating fifth-round knockout. Franklin had previously taken both Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte the full 12-round distance. At just 21, Itauma has already stopped 12 of his 14 opponents. Promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that Itauma will headline the O2 Arena on July 25, 2026. While an opponent has not been finalized, the bout is expected to be a final eliminator for a major belt. Bellew had nothing but praise for Itauma. 

Bellew Reacts

“I wouldn’t want to see time beat Usyk. Before his first fight with Joshua, I thought only size could stop him. But when I saw him, I realised — even size can’t beat him. I predicted he’d beat Fury twice — and that’s exactly what happened. He’s on another level. The only opponent who could give him problems is Moses Itauma, but he’s not ready yet.

“You can’t throw him in against Usyk if he hasn’t even gone six rounds. That would be unfair. His promoter, Frank Warren, always knows how to time things right — guiding his fighters carefully from the bottom to the top. Usyk also knows how to pick the right fights at the right time. I agree — you can’t put a newcomer in with Usyk yet,” Bellew said

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