By Daily Sports Nigeria on January 30, 2026

Former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson has said that Moses Itauma is not yet ready to face Oleksandr Usyk despite being tipped as the future of the heavyweight division.

The 21-year-old British-Nigerian prospect has had his scheduled fight against Jermaine Franklin postponed from this weekend to March, but continues to be linked with major title fights in the coming years.

One potential blockbuster bout could pit Itauma against Ukrainian great Usyk, who has dominated the heavyweight ranks with victories over boxing icons Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Usyk is currently being linked with a clash against Deontay Wilder in America in the first half of this year.

If both fighters continue winning, a generational showdown between the experienced champion and the rising star could materialise.

However, Nelson believes Itauma still has much to learn before he can trouble the former undisputed champion.

“(Itauma’s) nowhere near the finished article. He’s only 21 years old, I think we’ve seen maybe 35 per cent of him,” Nelson told the Daily Mail.

“I think Moses gives him hellfire, but I think Usyk is too clever for him. I think he’s too clever for all of them, but it’s a dangerous fight for him. I would expect Usyk to beat him, but don’t write this boy off.”

Itauma, who was born in Slovakia to a Nigerian father and Slovak mother, moved to England in 2008 and began boxing in Chatham, Kent. He turned professional in January 2023 after winning multiple gold medals as an amateur.

The youngster has won all 13 professional fights, with 11 knockouts, including a stunning one-round demolition of former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in August 2025 to claim the Commonwealth heavyweight title.

His promoter Frank Warren believes Itauma could fight for a world title in 2026 if he beats Franklin on March 28 in Manchester.

Source Punch Ng

Posted January 30, 2026

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