Moses Itauma made a resounding statement to the boxing world this weekend with a devastating first-round knockout of seasoned heavyweight Demsey McKean on the undercard of the Usyk vs. Fury rematch. Fans are already speculating about Moses Itauma’s next fight, as the 19-year-old phenom continues to cement his status as a serious contender in the heavyweight division.
Moses Itauma Is THE Heavyweight to Watch
Born in Slovakia and raised in the UK, Moses Itauma has taken the boxing world by storm since turning professional. Known for his knockout power, speed, and composure in the ring, Itauma has drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s greats. His victory over McKean—a seasoned heavyweight with a solid resume—marked Itauma’s most significant win to date.
The ease with which Itauma, trained by Ben Davison, dispatched McKean has prompted calls for him to step up his competition. Promoters are reportedly lining up big-name opponents to test the young prodigy as he continues his quest to dominate the division.
Moses Itauma Next Fight Options
As Itauma’s stock rises, speculation abounds about his next moves. Here are some potential opponents who could provide the stern tests needed to propel him into world title contention, but really, the boxing world is his oyster:
Martin Bakole
Martin Bakole has proven himself a formidable force in the heavyweight division, with wins over notable names such as Tony Yoka. A fight against Bakole would be a step up in competition and an opportunity for Itauma to showcase his skills against a rugged and experienced contender.
Otto Wallin
Known for giving Tyson Fury a tough fight, Otto Wallin would provide a stern test for Itauma’s durability and technical ability. Wallin’s defensive skills and ring IQ would challenge Itauma to adapt and prove he’s more than just a knockout artist. Itauma has stated, however, that he is looking ‘a little higher’ than the winner of Wallin vs Chisora, so it is unlikely Wallin will be next.
Joe Joyce
If Joe Joyce is looking to rebuild after recent setbacks, a clash with Itauma could be mutually beneficial. Joyce’s granite chin and relentless style would create a compelling matchup, testing Itauma’s stamina and ability to go into deep waters. However, many now believe Joyce is past his best, after losing to Derek Chisora in his last fight, and at this point Itauma may not be the best fight for Joyce to take.
Kubrat Pulev
With Pulev winning the WBA Regular Belt in a unanimous decision victory over Mahmoud Charr this year, its possible Itauma’s team will target the 32-3 veteran of the sport in a bid for Itauma to win a world title, albeit a Regular belt, as part of his goal to beat Mike Tyson’s record of being the youngest heavyweight champion ever.
Justis Huni
With Joseph Parker set to face Daniel Dubois for the IBF title in February, it has been revealed by the WBO President that Parker will be stripped of the WBO interim belt he won from Zhilei Zhang. As a result, the WBO interim title will become vacant, and due to various title eliminators, the next two contenders at the time of writing to fight for the belt are Justis Huni and Moses Itauma. Could this be Itauma’s route to world honours?
Aiming for World Title Glory in 2025?
Given Itauma’s rapid progression, it’s not inconceivable that he could fight for a world title by the end of 2025. Promoters have already hinted at a fast-tracked path to the top, and Itauma himself has expressed a desire to make history by becoming one of the youngest heavyweight champions ever.
Itauma’s performance against McKean marks an interesting moment in his career, doing in one round what world title contender Filip Hrgovic took twelve to do, and gives an indication of just how talented the young man is. With an undefeated record in both the amateurs and the pro game, Itauma may be destined for big things.
Itauma’s fanbase is growing with every fight, and many believe he is destined for greatness. His performances have been compared to Mike Tyson’s early days, with his explosive knockouts captivating audiences worldwide. However, some critics argue that he has yet to face a top-tier opponent and caution against rushing him too quickly.
Itauma Is a Star in the Making
Moses Itauma’s emphatic victory over Demsey McKean has set the stage for an exciting 2025. With his combination of raw power, technical skill, and youthful confidence, Itauma has all the tools to become a dominant force in boxing. Whether he’s stepping up against seasoned contenders or eyeing a world title shot, one thing is certain: Moses Itauma is a name boxing fans will hear a lot more of in the coming years.
Follow NoSmokeBoxing on X
