Promoter: Young heavyweight Itauma can dethrone Usyk this year

Promoter: Young heavyweight Itauma can dethrone Usyk this year

Frank Warren believes Moses Itauma has reached the level needed to challenge undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, and the promoter is confident his fighter can claim a world title before 2024 ends.

Warren's assertion comes as Itauma continues to build his resume at heavyweight, where he has impressed in recent performances. The British fighter has steadily climbed the rankings and caught the attention of the boxing establishment with his technical ability and power.

A shot at Usyk would represent a significant leap in profile and competition for Itauma. The Ukrainian champion has proven himself one of the sport's elite, holding multiple belts and defeating top contenders. But Warren sees no reason his fighter cannot compete at that level.

The timeline suggests Itauma could be positioned for a title opportunity relatively soon, assuming favorable matchmaking and the champion's continued availability. Warren's optimism about a world title by year's end indicates the promoter is actively working toward arranging such a bout, though specific negotiations or formal challenges have not been publicly confirmed.

For Itauma, a victory over Usyk would instantly establish him as a major force in the heavyweight division and potentially reshape the landscape at the weight class. It remains to be seen whether Usyk's team views Itauma as an attractive challenger or whether other opponents might be prioritized first.

Author Michael Brooks: "Warren's confidence in Itauma is bold, but the real test comes when the bell rings against a proven champion like Usyk."

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