Heavyweight Prospect Itauma Waits for Usyk Fight

Boxer knows he must bide his time for a shot at the heavyweight champion.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:03pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the abstract forms and movements of a heavyweight boxing match, with sharp geometric planes and overlapping shapes representing the competitive energy between the two fighters.A conceptual illustration capturing the geometric tension and power dynamics between rising heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma and champion Oleksandr Usyk.Manchester Today

Moses Itauma, a rising heavyweight boxer, delivered a dominant performance by knocking out Franklin in the fifth round of their match in Manchester. However, Itauma acknowledged that heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has earned the right to choose his own fights and timeline, and Itauma will have to wait patiently for a potential showdown with Usyk in the future.

Why it matters

Itauma is seen as a promising young heavyweight prospect, but Usyk is the undisputed heavyweight champion and one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. A fight between the two would be a major event in the heavyweight division, but Usyk is in control of his own career and schedule.

The details

In his latest fight, Itauma defeated Franklin via a fifth-round knockout in Manchester. The impressive performance has raised Itauma's profile and sparked speculation about a potential future fight with Usyk. However, Itauma acknowledged that Usyk has earned the right to choose his own fights and timeline, and Itauma will have to wait patiently for an opportunity to face the champion.

  • Itauma defeated Franklin via fifth-round knockout on March 29, 2026 in Manchester.

The players

Moses Itauma

A rising heavyweight boxer who recently delivered a dominant performance by knocking out Franklin in the fifth round of their match in Manchester.

Oleksandr Usyk

The undisputed heavyweight champion and one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.

Franklin

Itauma's opponent, who he defeated via fifth-round knockout in Manchester.

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What they’re saying

“Listen, Usyk has earned the right to do whatever he wants,”

— Moses Itauma, Boxer

The takeaway

Itauma's impressive win over Franklin has raised his profile, but he understands that he will have to wait patiently for his opportunity to face the dominant heavyweight champion Usyk, who is in control of his own career and schedule.