Ex-Champ Johnny Nelson Warns Mose Itauma Not Ready for Usyk Clash

Former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson expressed his belief that 21-year-old British-Nigerian boxing prospect Mose Itauma is not prepared to face Ukrainian heavyweight boxer Oleksandr Usyk, despite being considered a future contender in the heavyweight division. Itauma, who has won multiple gold medals as an amateur and claimed the Commonwealth heavyweight title in August 2025, is set to fight Jermain Franklin in a significant bout.

Nelson emphasized that Itauma still has much to learn and develop before taking on the likes of Usyk, who has dominated the heavyweight ranks. Itauma, born to a Nigerian father and Slovak mother, began boxing in England in 2008 and has shown promise with 13 professional wins, including 11 knockouts.

Promoter Frank Warren is optimistic about Itauma's potential to fight for a world title in 2026, should he defeat Franklin in their upcoming match scheduled for March 28 in Manchester.