Undefeated British heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma has questioned the motivations behind a potential “last dance” matchup between Oleksandr Usyk and Deontay Wilder, suggesting that financial gain is the primary driver for the veteran Ukrainian.
Speaking on July 8, 2026, during an interview with IFL TV, the 21-year-old rising star addressed Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate his unified titles and focus on a high-profile showdown with former world champion Deontay Wilder.
Moses Itauma examines the financial pull of a final heavyweight clash
The heavyweight landscape underwent a significant shift in late June 2026, when Oleksandr Usyk announced he was relinquishing his WBA, WBC, and IBF world titles to avoid mandatory commitments. This move paved the way for a single, lucrative final act against the 40-year-old Wilder.
While many fans are intrigued by the clash of styles, Moses Itauma expressed skepticism about the bout’s appeal given the current stage of both fighters’ careers.
And yet, the 25-0 Ukrainian has logic on his side regarding the business of the sport. Analysis of the Usyk-Verhoeven Giza bout details reveals a growing trend of staging massive international spectacles. Moses Itauma acknowledged that after a career spent collecting accolades, Oleksandr Usyk is now focused on maximizing his earnings before hanging up the gloves.
During his discussion with IFL TV, Moses Itauma was blunt about his personal interest in the proposed matchup. “He doesn’t need to do that,” Moses Itauma said when asked about Oleksandr Usyk targeting Deontay Wilder. “Who the hell would want to watch that? Fair enough he’s achieved more than I have, so I can’t say anything. He wants the paper.”
The 21-year-old suggested that the financial context of Oleksandr Usyk’s career explains his current reluctance to retire. “You’ve got to remember, when Usyk was a cruiserweight and in his early heavyweight fights, he wasn’t making as much money as he has in these last couple of years,” Moses Itauma noted. “I don’t blame him.”
The prospect believes the “huge amount” of money currently available makes it difficult for any elite fighter to walk away from the sport.
Sergey Lapin, Usyk’s team director, confirmed that Deontay Wilder is the preferred opponent for what they have dubbed the “last dance.” While no formal agreements have been signed, Sergey Lapin indicated that the United States is the most logical setting for the event.
Deontay Wilder’s co-manager, Shelly Finkel, has already stated that the American would “welcome the opportunity” to face the Ukrainian legend if the terms were right.
Heavyweight title fragmentation creates a path for rising stars
Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate his belts has fundamentally changed the division’s power structure. Agit Kabayel was elevated to full WBC champion following the vacancy, while Murat Gassiev now holds the WBA title. This fragmentation, according to Moses Itauma, is a positive development for the younger generation of heavyweights who were previously blocked by a unified champion.
“To be fair, he’s earned his stripes,” Moses Itauma said of Oleksandr Usyk’s legendary run. “But now that they’re all separated, we can start collecting some.” This shift in dynamics is timely for the Brit, who is currently 14-0 with 12 knockouts.
The IBF has already ordered Moses Itauma to enter negotiations with Frank Sanchez for its now-vacant heavyweight strap, with a deadline of July 29, 2026, to reach an agreement.
The road through Filip Hrgovic and Frank Sanchez
Before any potential world title remains within reach, Moses Itauma must navigate a high-stakes encounter against Filip Hrgovic. While former champion Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli dominates other headlines, the British boxing scene is focused on whether Moses Itauma can overcome the seasoned Croatian. This crossroads bout will serve as the ultimate litmus test for the prospect’s world-class aspirations.
If successful against Filip Hrgovic, the path toward the Frank Sanchez fight becomes clearer. Many industry insiders, including promoter Eddie Hearn, are watching to see if the 21-year-old can deliver on his promise to become the youngest heavyweight champion in history.
This transition comes at a time when major entities like Zuffa Boxing are reportedly considering partnerships for international marquee events, further blurring the lines between sporting merit and commercial spectacle.
Oleksandr Usyk looks to move past a controversial Giza performance
The proposed fight with Deontay Wilder would be Oleksandr Usyk’s first appearance since his controversial outing in Egypt. On May 23, 2026, Oleksandr Usyk secured an 11th-round stoppage victory against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza.
Despite the win, reports indicated that the Ukrainian was trailing on all three scorecards at the time of the TKO, leading to questions about his remaining peak years.
Deontay Wilder, conversely, enters negotiations with momentum from two consecutive wins. “The Bronze Bomber” stopped Tyrrell Anthony Herndon in June 2025 and followed up with a split-decision victory over Derek Chisora in April 2026. While Moses Itauma remains dismissive of the competitive appeal, the media potential of such a clash remains undeniable for promoters looking to maximize the waning years of two divisional icons.
As the heavyweight scene moves toward the end of 2026, the contrast is stark. The veteran guard prepares for an exit, while prospects like Moses Itauma prepare for their arrival. With a Fury-Joshua bout late in 2026 on the horizon, the separation of titles has finally allowed the division’s future to emerge from the shadow of its storied past.
