Usyk Backs Mose Itauma as Future Heavyweight Champion

Oleksandr Usyk has declared Mose Itauma, a 21-year-old British-Nigerian boxer, as the potential next undisputed heavyweight champion. Usyk, a heavyweight icon, expressed his belief in Itauma's talent during a press conference with TalkSport, highlighting that the young fighter has an impressive unbeaten record of 14 victories, including 12 stoppages.

Itauma made headlines by becoming the first boxer to stop Jermain Franklin Jr. during their match at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester in March. Currently, Itauma holds the WBA International and WBO Intercontinental heavyweight titles and is ranked as the WBO mandatory challenger.

Promoter Frank Warren has also expressed confidence in Itauma's abilities, noting the rarity of such talent at a young age. Itauma is expected to headline an event at the O2 Arena in London on August 8, with negotiations for a fight against Filip Hrgovic already underway, following his recent victory over Dave Allen, which ended in the third round.