At just 21 years old, British heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma (14-0, 12 KOs) has the entire boxing world buzzing. After his latest dominant performance — a fifth-round knockout of seasoned contender Jermaine Franklin on March 28, 2026, at Co-op Live in Manchester — boxing insiders, former champions, and analysts are no longer whispering about the young southpaw. They are shouting it loud and clear: “He can beat Usyk!”

Itauma, born Enriko Itauma in Slovakia but raised in Chatham, Kent, stands at 6’4½” with an 79-inch reach. He fights out of a southpaw stance and possesses a frightening combination of speed, power, technical skill, and ring intelligence rarely seen in such a young heavyweight. His knockout rate sits at a staggering 85.71%, and he has spent shockingly little time in the ring across his recent bouts — often finishing opponents in the first or second round.

But it was his showing against Franklin that truly turned heads. Franklin, a tough, experienced fighter who had previously gone the distance with Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, was expected to test Itauma’s stamina over ten rounds. Instead, Itauma dropped him in the third round and finished the job with a brutal stoppage in the fifth. The performance showcased not just raw power, but poise, footwork, and the ability to break down a durable opponent systematically.

What the Pros Are Saying

The boxing community has erupted with praise — and bold predictions. Former cruiserweight champion and Sky Sports pundit Johnny Nelson stated that while Usyk remains the cleverer fighter today, Itauma represents a “dangerous fight” for the undisputed heavyweight king. “We’ve only seen maybe 35% of what Moses can do,” Nelson warned. “He gives Usyk hellfire.”

British promoter and analyst Spencer Oliver went even further, predicting a potential blockbuster clash in 2026 and suggesting that the southpaw-on-southpaw matchup could produce fireworks. Oliver highlighted Itauma’s explosive hand speed and devastating power, calling him one of the most complete young heavyweights he has seen in years.

Multiple boxing legends and active fighters have echoed the sentiment. After the Franklin win, reactions poured in calling Itauma a “monster” and “the scariest rising heavyweight.” Some insiders argue he is already the biggest threat to Oleksandr Usyk’s throne — ahead of names like Agit Kabayel or even a potential rematch opponent for the Ukrainian.

Bookmakers have taken notice too. Speculative odds for a hypothetical Itauma vs Usyk fight before the end of 2026 list the young Brit as a 13/8 underdog — remarkably close for a 21-year-old facing the pound-for-pound best heavyweight on the planet.

The Making of a Phenomenon

Moses Itauma turned professional in January 2023 at just 18 years old with an impressive amateur background (24-0). From the start, he was tipped for greatness. His early career was a highlight reel of rapid knockouts. By mid-2025, he had already stopped former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in the first round, sending shockwaves through the division.

What makes Itauma truly scary is the complete package he brings:

Explosive Power: He generates terrifying force from his southpaw stance, often ending fights with a single clean shot. Elite Hand Speed: Unusually fast for a heavyweight, allowing him to out-land and out-maneuver bigger, slower opponents. Technical Brilliance: Excellent footwork, head movement, and the ability to switch between boxer and puncher seamlessly. Ring IQ: Despite his youth, he shows mature fight management, adjusting mid-round and exploiting weaknesses with precision. Mental Toughness: Calm under pressure, with a chilling confidence that unnerves opponents before the bell even rings.

Promoter Frank Warren has been vocal about Itauma’s potential, stating that the young fighter is now ranked No.1 with both the WBA and WBO in certain regional or interim categories. Warren believes Itauma is ready for elite-level tests sooner than many expect.

After the Franklin victory, Itauma himself did not shy away from big names. While he has expressed interest in facing the winner of major upcoming bouts (such as potential matchups involving Daniel Dubois or Fabio Wardley), the name Oleksandr Usyk keeps coming up. Itauma has openly said he feels ready for the biggest challenges, and some reports suggest he even called out the unified champion directly.

Why Itauma Could Actually Beat Usyk

The idea that a 21-year-old could dethrone Usyk — the man who defeated Tyson Fury twice and dismantled Anthony Joshua — sounds like pure hype at first. But boxing pros point to several key factors that make the matchup intriguing rather than impossible:

Southpaw vs Southpaw: Both fighters are elite southpaws. This neutralizes some of Usyk’s usual angles and could turn the fight into a technical masterclass or a slugfest. Youth and Physical Attributes: Itauma is significantly younger, taller, and possesses a longer reach. In heavyweight boxing, physical advantages can become decisive as fighters age. Usyk, while an all-time great, is in his late 30s and has accumulated heavy mileage. Power and Finishing Ability: Usyk has been dropped and hurt before. Itauma’s one-punch knockout power is genuine. If he can close the distance and land cleanly, the fight could end suddenly.

Hunger and Momentum: Itauma is on an unstoppable rise with nothing to lose. Usyk has achieved undisputed status and may be looking toward retirement or selective big-money fights. The “hungry lion” factor cannot be ignored.

Of course, skeptics are quick to point out the risks. Itauma has never gone beyond six or seven rounds in his professional career. Usyk is a boxing genius with elite movement, ring generalship, and the ability to break opponents down over the championship distance. Many experts still favor Usyk heavily, believing his experience and craft would overwhelm the young prospect.

Yet even the doubters admit: nobody wants to be the first big-name opponent to step in with Itauma right now. His aura is growing, and the fear factor is real.

What’s Next for Moses Itauma?

With his record now at 14-0 and titles like the Commonwealth heavyweight belt already in his collection, Itauma’s team is carefully plotting the path forward. A step-up in competition is expected in 2026, possibly against ranked contenders or even for a world title eliminator.

Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions have hinted at big plans. Whether it’s a domestic showdown or an international test, one thing is clear: the heavyweight division has a new predator in town.

If Itauma continues this trajectory — blending his frightening power with improved stamina and experience — he could realistically challenge for world titles before he turns 23. And if Usyk remains champion into late 2026 or 2027, the dream matchup “Itauma vs Usyk” could become the biggest heavyweight fight of the decade.

The Scary Reality for Heavyweight Boxing

Moses Itauma is no longer just a prospect. He is a legitimate contender who is forcing the entire division to take notice. Boxing legends who have seen Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, and the Klitschko brothers in their primes are using words like “monster,” “freakish,” and “once-in-a-generation” to describe him.

The heavyweight landscape has been dominated by names like Fury, Usyk, Joshua, and Wilder for years. Now, a 21-year-old southpaw from Kent is crashing the party with highlight-reel knockouts and the confidence to call out the best.

Whether he can actually beat Oleksandr Usyk remains to be seen. But the fact that serious boxing professionals are openly discussing it as a real possibility — rather than a fantasy — tells you everything about how scary good Moses Itauma really is.

The clock is ticking for the current kings of the division. A new generation has arrived, and its name is Moses Itauma.