Here’s a bold claim that’s sure to spark debate: Tony Bellew believes only two heavyweight boxers on the planet stand a chance against the rising star, Moses Itauma. But here’s where it gets controversial—while many see Itauma as boxing’s next big thing, Bellew insists that only Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury could truly outmatch the 21-year-old phenom. Could he be right, or is he underestimating the rest of the division? Let’s dive in.
Moses Itauma, widely regarded as one of boxing’s hottest prospects, is on the fast track to greatness. With a flawless record of 13 professional fights—only two of which went beyond the second round—Itauma has skyrocketed into title contention, even after competing in just three rounds in 2025. His dominance has been nothing short of remarkable, and the boxing world is buzzing with anticipation for his potential heavyweight title run in 2026. And this is the part most people miss—despite his youth, Itauma’s precision, power, and ring intelligence have already set him apart from his peers.
Currently ranked as the WBA’s number one contender, Itauma is on the cusp of challenging newly crowned WBA (Regular) heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev. However, he must first overcome Jermaine Franklin Jr. later this month. Franklin, a durable American contender, has proven a tough nut to crack, with both Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua failing to stop him. If Itauma succeeds where they couldn’t, it would be a massive statement.
In a recent interview with eSportsBets, former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew showered Itauma with praise but also sounded a note of caution. While he believes Itauma could dismantle nearly anyone in the division, Bellew argues that Usyk and Fury are in a league of their own. ‘Apart from those two, he’s gonna nail anyone,’ Bellew stated. ‘The big question is, will they nail him first?’ This raises a thought-provoking question: Is Bellew’s assessment fair, or is he overlooking other contenders like Gassiev or even Franklin?
Bellew’s reasoning is clear: Usyk’s technical brilliance and Fury’s unpredictability could pose unique challenges for Itauma. ‘Only Usyk and Fury are capable of making him miss and making him pay,’ Bellew added. But is this a slight to Itauma’s potential, or a realistic evaluation of the current heavyweight landscape? Here’s where the debate heats up—while Itauma’s talent is undeniable, is it too early to crown him as the future king of the division? Or is Bellew’s cautionary tone exactly what the young fighter needs to stay grounded?
As Itauma prepares to face Franklin on January 24 at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win would solidify his status as a legitimate title threat, but a loss could derail his momentum. Whether you agree with Bellew or think he’s selling Itauma short, one thing is certain: this fight is a must-watch. What do you think? Is Bellew right about Usyk and Fury, or is Itauma ready to take on anyone? Let us know in the comments—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!
